CNUR 303 - Physiological Changes in Pregnancy Exam Questions Fully Solved.

Average weight gain - Answer 11.5-16kg (25-35 lbs) What makes up the extra weight put on? - Answer Fetus, Amniotic fluid, Placenta (up to 5 kg), Uterus, Breasts (4.4kg), Increased blood volume (1.6kg), Extracellular fluid (1.2 kg), Maternal stores (2kg) Cardiovascular System - Answer Growing uterus pushes up the diaphragm, pushing the heart up & to the left. Blood volume increases, Heart rate increases, Cardiac output increases Blood volume - Answer Increases by about 45% (1500mLs) Heart rate - Answer Increases by 10-15 BPM (accommodates extra blood) Cardiac Output - Answer Increases by 30-50% (need it to be stronger to be able to fuse to baby What is the best position for mom to be in for cardiac output & uterine position? - Answer Left lateral recumbent position Supine Postural Hypotension Syndrome - Answer Don't want mom to lay on back because of this. Uterus pushed on the inferior vena cava causing hypotension & decreased oxygen to the fetus, BP may increase, Pulse may decrease What does increased femoral venous pressure cause? - Answer Edema, varicose veins & hemorrhoids Physiologic anemia of pregnancy - Answer Will resolve after pregnancy. Plasma volume increases with little RBC increase (hemodilution). Iron supplementation important due to increasing iron needs. Folic acid supplement - Answer Prevent maternal megaloblastic anemia (MCV in hemoglobin will be high if megaloblastic anemia present). Linked to risk of neural tube defects