Maternity Nursing Q 18
In the later part of the 3rd trimester, the mother may experience shortness of breath. This complaint may be explained as:
A. A normal occurrence in pregnancy because the fetus is using more oxygen.
B. The fundus of the uterus is high pushing the diaphragm upwards.
C. The woman is having an allergic reaction to the pregnancy and its hormones.
D. The woman may be experiencing complications of pregnancy.
Correct Answer: B. The fundus of the uterus is high pushing the diaphragm upwards
From the 32nd week of the pregnancy, the fundus of the enlarged uterus is pushing the respiratory diaphragm upwards. Thus, the lungs have reduced space for expansion consequently reducing the oxygen supply.
Option A: At the same time that the lung capacity decreases due to the physical constraint of a growing uterus, the respiratory center in the brain is stimulated by the hormone progesterone to get the pregnant woman to take slower breaths. Progesterone is released during pregnancy. Although each breath may bring in less air, the air stays in the lungs longer so that the woman can extract the oxygen she and her baby needs.
Option C: Swelling or narrowing of the throat or the airways to the lungs can cause wheezing. It can also result in shortness of breath because the lungs can’t hold as much air when they are affected by swelling or mucus buildup.
Option D: If asthma cannot be controlled, the woman may be at risk for a serious health problem called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that can happen after the 20th week of pregnancy or right after pregnancy. It’s when a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and signs that some of her organs, like her kidneys and liver, may not be working properly. Some of these signs include having protein in the urine, changes in vision, and severe headache.