Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a beta subunit (β-hCG) of hCG are the hormones which are detected in early stages of pregnancy. β-hCG production can begin as early as the day of implantation and can be detected in as early as 7-10 days after conception. “The level of hCG increases until it peaks at about 60-70 days of gestation and then declines until about 80 days of pregnancy. It remains stable until about 30 weeks and then gradually increases until term” (Lowdermilk, 2012, p. 290).
2. Describe 3 physiologic changes in pregnancy for each organ system below and implications for you as a FNP caring …show more content…
For the FNP, they should be aware that this places the woman at significantly increased risk of infection due to urine stagnation and increased urine PH.
2) Increased ability of the kidneys to excrete water early in pregnancy with a significant decrease in later pregnancy. For the FNP, this requires education on dehydration in early pregnancy and assessment of physiologic edema in later pregnancy.
3) Selective renal tubular reabsorption is increased. This allows the mother to meet the demands of fetal the fetus and maintain sodium and water balance regardless of changes in dietary sodium intake or excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. The FNP should be aware that if diuretics are given, severe hypovolemia and decreased placental perfusion are likely serious consequences (Lowdermilk, 2012, p. 290).
e. Vagina; Cervix;
1) Goodell sign, a cervical change which can be observed at the beginning of the 6th week in a normal, unscarred cervix, results in increased vascularity, hypertrophy, and hyperplasia. This can result in friability of tissue. The FNP should be additionally care after vaginal examination, and instruct the patient that deep penetration may result in bleeding. These changes may also make evaluation of abnormal PAP smears