Question

During pregnancy, the heart rate increases to a maximum of 10-15 beats per minute over baseline by the third trimester.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

During the third trimester of pregnancy, it is true that the woman's heart rate may increase by 10-15 beats per minute over baseline, and this is a result of increased physical demands and fetal growth. For a healthy young adult experiencing a heart rate above 160 bpm, the cardiac output may decrease, contrary to what might be expected.

Step-by-step explanation:

Determining whether the statement regarding pregnancy and heart rate (HR) is true or false, during the third trimester of pregnancy, a woman's heart rate may increase by 10-15 beats per minute over baseline, which is indeed true. The third trimester is a time of rapid fetal growth and increased demands on the mother's body, including her cardiovascular system.

Regarding the second question, in a healthy young adult, when the heart rate increases above 160 bpm, a phenomenon known as tachycardia occurs. While initially, a rising heart rate does increase cardiac output, beyond a certain point (like 160 bpm), cardiac output may actually start to decrease because the heart doesn't have enough time to fill properly between beats. The answer to question 19 in this case would be b. It decreases.

Answer 2

During pregnancy, the heart rate increases to a maximum of 10-15 beats per minute over baseline by the third trimester is:

b) False

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is false because during pregnancy, the heart rate typically increases, but not to the extent mentioned in the question. While it is true that the heart rate tends to rise during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and other physiological changes, a maximum increase of 10-15 beats per minute over baseline by the third trimester is an exaggeration. In reality, the average increase in heart rate during pregnancy is around 10-20 beats per minute, and this can vary among individuals.

The cardiovascular system undergoes significant adaptations to support the growing fetus and the increased metabolic demands of the mother. The heart has to pump more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to both the mother and the developing baby.

Hormonal changes, such as an increase in progesterone, also contribute to the adjustments in heart rate. However, it's crucial to note that individual variations exist, and some pregnant individuals may experience a more significant or less noticeable increase in heart rate.

Monitoring heart rate during pregnancy is a standard part of prenatal care to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Any extreme deviations from the expected heart rate range may warrant further investigation by healthcare professionals to rule out potential complications. Overall, while a moderate increase in heart rate is normal during pregnancy, the specific range mentioned in the question is not accurate based on current medical understanding.