Health Promotion and Maintenance
46. A client, who is at 26 weeks' gestation, presents for a routine appointment. The client asks a nurse why she is having trouble with constipation during her pregnancy. Which explanation by the nurse would be most accurate?
. The intestines are expanded during pregnancy, which causes stool stasis.
. The muscle movement of the intestines slows down, which causes dry, hard stools.
. The intestines are compressed during pregnancy, which causes stool stasis.
. The muscle movement of the intestines speeds up, which causes dry, hard stools.
Test-Taking Tip
When there are similar answers, read the answer carefully to determine the differences.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Elimination
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the intestines do not increase in diameter due to pregnancy. Answer 2 is correct because, during pregnancy, progesterone causes peristalsis to slow the intestines so that more nutrients can be absorbed. Answer 3 is incorrect because compression of the intestines during pregnancy does not contribute to constipation. Answer 4 is incorrect because, during pregnancy, there is a decrease, not an increase, in intestinal motility.