Question

A client states that she had a spontaneous abortion 12 months ago. The client asks if her hormones may have contributed to the loss of the pregnancy. The nurse's response is based upon her knowledge of which of the following facts?

a) Implantation occurs when progesterone levels are low.
b) hCG reaches a maximum level at 4 weeks gestation.
c) Progesterone decreases the contractility of the uterus.
d) Progesterone is only produced by the corpus luteum during pregnancy.

Answer 1

The nurse should know that hormones are critical for maintaining pregnancy, with progesterone playing a key role in suppressing uterine contractions. Option (c) 'Progesterone decreases the contractility of the uterus' correctly identifies the hormone's role in preventing spontaneous abortion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's response to whether hormones may have contributed to the client's spontaneous abortion should reflect an understanding that hormone levels play a crucial role in pregnancy maintenance. Progesterone is particularly significant in this context because it is known for suppressing uterine contractility during the early stages of pregnancy, thus facilitating the embryo's implantation and growth. The hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), meanwhile, helps maintain the corpus luteum, which is the primary source of progesterone until the placenta takes over hormone production later in pregnancy.

Option (c), 'Progesterone decreases the contractility of the uterus', is the most accurate statement reflecting that progesterone helps in maintaining pregnancy by preventing uterine contractions that could potentially lead to a miscarriage.