NUR 2804C Giddens Module 3 Quiz - Questions and Correct
Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct | Valencia College
Q1. During pregnancy, plasma volume increases by approximately:
A) 10-20%
B) 20-30%
C) 30-40%
D) 40-50%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Plasma volume increases by approximately 40-50% during pregnancy. This is
a normal physiological adaptation that supports the needs of the uterus, placenta, and
fetus. The increase begins early in pregnancy and continues until approximately 32-34
weeks of gestation .
Q2. The physiological anemia of pregnancy is caused by:
A) Iron deficiency
B) Folic acid deficiency
C) Disproportionate increase in plasma volume compared to red blood cell mass
D) Decreased erythropoietin production
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Physiological anemia of pregnancy occurs because plasma volume increases
by 40-50%, while red blood cell mass increases by only 20-30%. This disproportionate
increase dilutes the hemoglobin concentration, resulting in a lower hematocrit. This is a
normal adaptation, not a deficiency state .
Q3. Nagele's rule is used to calculate:
,A) The estimated date of delivery (EDD)
B) The expected fetal weight
C) The gestational age based on fetal heart rate
D) The amniotic fluid volume
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nagele's rule is used to calculate the estimated date of delivery (EDD). The
formula is: subtract 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), then
add 7 days. For example, LMP of January 1 → October 8 EDD. The rule assumes a 28-day
menstrual cycle .
Q4. A woman's estimated date of delivery using Nagele's rule with LMP of June 10
is:
A) March 17
B) March 10
C) April 17
D) May 17
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using Nagele's rule: LMP June 10 → subtract 3 months → March 10 → add 7
days → March 17. Therefore, the EDD is March 17 .
Q5. During pregnancy, cardiac output increases by approximately:
A) 10-20%
B) 20-30%
C) 30-50%
D) 50-60%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cardiac output increases by approximately 30-50% during pregnancy. This
increase begins early in pregnancy and peaks around 24-28 weeks. The increase is due
,to increased stroke volume and heart rate, supporting the needs of the uteroplacental
unit .
Q6. A pregnant woman reports constipation and heartburn. These are likely due
to:
A) Increased progesterone leading to smooth muscle relaxation
B) Increased estrogen leading to increased gastric acid
C) The enlarged uterus compressing the intestines
D) Decreased gastrointestinal motility due to progesterone and pressure from the uterus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Constipation and heartburn during pregnancy are caused by decreased
gastrointestinal motility due to progesterone relaxation of smooth muscle and pressure
from the enlarged uterus on the stomach and intestines. Progesterone slows gastric
emptying and intestinal transit time, leading to heartburn and constipation .
Q7. Lightening refers to:
A) The baby dropping into the pelvis
B) The first fetal movements felt by the mother
C) The onset of labor
D) The release of the mucus plug
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lightening refers to the descent of the fetal head into the maternal pelvis.
This typically occurs 2-4 weeks before term in primigravidas and at the onset of labor in
multigravidas. It may relieve pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing easier but
increasing pressure on the bladder .
, Q8. A pregnant woman reports increased urinary frequency during the first and
third trimesters. The nurse explains this is due to:
A) Increased fluid intake
B) Pressure on the bladder from the uterus
C) Decreased kidney function
D) Increased bladder capacity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Urinary frequency occurs in the first trimester due to the enlarging uterus
pressing on the bladder. In the third trimester, it recurs as the fetal head descends into
the pelvis, again putting pressure on the bladder. This is a normal physiological change
of pregnancy .
Q9. The hormone responsible for the development of breast tissue and milk
production is:
A) Estrogen
B) Progesterone
C) Prolactin
D) Oxytocin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prolactin is the hormone responsible for the development of breast tissue
and milk production (lactogenesis). Estrogen and progesterone contribute to breast
development during pregnancy, but prolactin is the primary hormone for milk
production. Oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection (let-down reflex) .
Q10. During pregnancy, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increases, resulting in:
A) Decreased urine output
B) Increased clearance of creatinine and urea
C) Increased risk of urinary tract infections
D) Decreased protein excretion
Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct | Valencia College
Q1. During pregnancy, plasma volume increases by approximately:
A) 10-20%
B) 20-30%
C) 30-40%
D) 40-50%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Plasma volume increases by approximately 40-50% during pregnancy. This is
a normal physiological adaptation that supports the needs of the uterus, placenta, and
fetus. The increase begins early in pregnancy and continues until approximately 32-34
weeks of gestation .
Q2. The physiological anemia of pregnancy is caused by:
A) Iron deficiency
B) Folic acid deficiency
C) Disproportionate increase in plasma volume compared to red blood cell mass
D) Decreased erythropoietin production
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Physiological anemia of pregnancy occurs because plasma volume increases
by 40-50%, while red blood cell mass increases by only 20-30%. This disproportionate
increase dilutes the hemoglobin concentration, resulting in a lower hematocrit. This is a
normal adaptation, not a deficiency state .
Q3. Nagele's rule is used to calculate:
,A) The estimated date of delivery (EDD)
B) The expected fetal weight
C) The gestational age based on fetal heart rate
D) The amniotic fluid volume
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nagele's rule is used to calculate the estimated date of delivery (EDD). The
formula is: subtract 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), then
add 7 days. For example, LMP of January 1 → October 8 EDD. The rule assumes a 28-day
menstrual cycle .
Q4. A woman's estimated date of delivery using Nagele's rule with LMP of June 10
is:
A) March 17
B) March 10
C) April 17
D) May 17
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using Nagele's rule: LMP June 10 → subtract 3 months → March 10 → add 7
days → March 17. Therefore, the EDD is March 17 .
Q5. During pregnancy, cardiac output increases by approximately:
A) 10-20%
B) 20-30%
C) 30-50%
D) 50-60%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cardiac output increases by approximately 30-50% during pregnancy. This
increase begins early in pregnancy and peaks around 24-28 weeks. The increase is due
,to increased stroke volume and heart rate, supporting the needs of the uteroplacental
unit .
Q6. A pregnant woman reports constipation and heartburn. These are likely due
to:
A) Increased progesterone leading to smooth muscle relaxation
B) Increased estrogen leading to increased gastric acid
C) The enlarged uterus compressing the intestines
D) Decreased gastrointestinal motility due to progesterone and pressure from the uterus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Constipation and heartburn during pregnancy are caused by decreased
gastrointestinal motility due to progesterone relaxation of smooth muscle and pressure
from the enlarged uterus on the stomach and intestines. Progesterone slows gastric
emptying and intestinal transit time, leading to heartburn and constipation .
Q7. Lightening refers to:
A) The baby dropping into the pelvis
B) The first fetal movements felt by the mother
C) The onset of labor
D) The release of the mucus plug
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lightening refers to the descent of the fetal head into the maternal pelvis.
This typically occurs 2-4 weeks before term in primigravidas and at the onset of labor in
multigravidas. It may relieve pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing easier but
increasing pressure on the bladder .
, Q8. A pregnant woman reports increased urinary frequency during the first and
third trimesters. The nurse explains this is due to:
A) Increased fluid intake
B) Pressure on the bladder from the uterus
C) Decreased kidney function
D) Increased bladder capacity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Urinary frequency occurs in the first trimester due to the enlarging uterus
pressing on the bladder. In the third trimester, it recurs as the fetal head descends into
the pelvis, again putting pressure on the bladder. This is a normal physiological change
of pregnancy .
Q9. The hormone responsible for the development of breast tissue and milk
production is:
A) Estrogen
B) Progesterone
C) Prolactin
D) Oxytocin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prolactin is the hormone responsible for the development of breast tissue
and milk production (lactogenesis). Estrogen and progesterone contribute to breast
development during pregnancy, but prolactin is the primary hormone for milk
production. Oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection (let-down reflex) .
Q10. During pregnancy, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increases, resulting in:
A) Decreased urine output
B) Increased clearance of creatinine and urea
C) Increased risk of urinary tract infections
D) Decreased protein excretion
