NURS 326 OBSTETRICS Pregnancy Physiology Review Exam Q & A 2026 (Complete And Verified Study material) (15pages) LEARNEXAMS

1. During which trimester does the fetal heart begin to beat? A) First B) Second C) Third D) Fourth Answer: A) First. The fetal heart starts to beat at about the 5th week of gestation. 2. What is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy? A) Estrogen B) Progesterone C) Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) D) Oxytocin Answer: B) Progesterone. This hormone prepares the uterine lining for implantation and supports pregnancy. 3. Which of the following is a common physiological change during pregnancy? A) Decreased cardiac output B) Increased blood volume C) Reduced respiratory rate D) Lowered basal metabolic rate Answer: B) Increased blood volume. This is necessary to meet the increased metabolic demands of the mother and the fetus. 4. What is the term for high blood pressure during pregnancy that can lead to serious complications? A) Eclampsia B) Pre-eclampsia C) Gestational diabetes D) Placenta previa Answer: B) Pre-eclampsia. It's a condition characterized by high blood pressure and often proteinuria. 5. At what gestational age is a fetus generally considered viable outside the womb? A) 20 weeks B) 24 weeks