Maternity Nursing Q 21
When talking with a pregnant client who is experiencing aching swollen leg veins, the nurse would explain that this is most probably the result of which of the following?
A. Thrombophlebitis
B. Pregnancy-induced hypertension
C. Pressure on blood vessels from the enlarging uterus
D. The force of gravity pulling down on the uterus
Correct Answer: C. Pressure on blood vessels from the enlarging uterus
The pressure of the growing uterus on blood vessels results in an increased risk for venous stasis in the lower extremities. Subsequently, edema and varicose vein formation may occur.
Option A: Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of the veins due to thrombus formation. The hypercoagulable condition of the immediate antepartum period is responsible, in large part, for the development of superficial thrombophlebitis and DVT in 0.15% and 0.04% of this patient population, respectively.
Option B: Pregnancy-induced hypertension is not associated with these symptoms. Pregnancy-induced hypertension is associated with significant elevations in total peripheral resistance, enhanced responsiveness to angiotensin II, and marked reductions in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, and proteinuria.
Option D: Gravity plays only a minor role with these symptoms. The center of gravity of pregnant women is displaced anteriorly and superiorly, compared to non-pregnant women. Furthermore, changes are seen in body shape. Because the volume of the lower trunk increases structurally, it becomes unstable. Nagai et al. reported that the postural sway of anterior-posterior movements increased during pregnancy because of the increase in the abdominal circumference