Maternity Nursing: Antepartum Q 17
In a lecture on sexual functioning, the nurse plans to include the fact that ovulation occurs when the:
A. Oxytocin is too high.
B. Blood level of LH is too high.
C. Progesterone level is high.
D. Endometrial wall is sloughed off.
Correct Answer: B. Blood level of LH is too high.
It is the surge of LH secretion in mid-cycle that is responsible for ovulation. LH is responsible for inducing ovulation, preparation for fertilized oocyte uterine implantation, and the ovarian production of progesterone through stimulation of theca cells and luteinized granulosa cells.
Option A: Ovulation is the third phase within the larger Uterine Cycle (i.e. Menstrual Cycle). The follicular release follows the Follicular phase (i.e. dominant follicle development) and precedes the Luteal phase (i.e. maintenance of corpus luteum) that progresses to either endometrial shedding or implantation. Follicular release occurs around 14 days prior to menstruation in a cyclic pattern if the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function is well regulated.
Option C: Ovulation occurs around day 14 of a typical 28-day cycle. Estrogen levels rise as a result of increased estrogen production by hormonally active granulosa cells within the follicle. One of the estrogen levels reach a critical point and remain at the level for 2 days, estrogen transitions from a negative feedback modulator of GnRH to a positive feedback modulator on the hypothalamus.
Option D: FSH and LH stimulate what remains of the mature follicle after ovulation to become the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum grows and secretes progesterone and some estrogen, which makes the endometrium more receptive to implantation. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone/estrogen levels fall, and the corpus luteum dies forming the corpus Albicans. These falling hormone levels stimulate FSH to begin recruiting follicles for the next cycle.