A 25-year-old woman in her fifth month of pregnancy has a blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg. In reviewing her previous examination, the nurse notes that her blood pressure in her second month was 124/80 mm Hg
In evaluating this change, what does the nurse know to be true?
a.
This decline in blood pressure is the result of peripheral vasodilatation and is an expected change.
b.
Because of increased cardiac output, the blood pressure should be higher at this time.
c.
This change in blood pressure is not an expected finding because it means a decrease in cardiac output.
d.
This decline in blood pressure means a decrease in circulating blood volume, which is dangerous for the fetus.
ANS: A
Despite the increased cardiac output, arterial blood pressure decreases in pregnancy because of peripheral vasodilatation. The blood pressure drops to its lowest point during the second trimester and then rises after that.
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