A woman in her second trimester of pregnancy complains of heartburn and indigestion. When discussing this with the woman, the nurse considers which explanation for these problems?

A) Tone and motility of the gastrointestinal tract increase during the second trimester.
B) Sluggish emptying of the gallbladder, from the effects of progesterone, often causes heartburn.
C) Lower blood pressure at this time decreases blood flow to the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
D) Enlarging uterus and altered esophageal sphincter tone predispose the woman to have heartburn.

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Elijah Gutierrez · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  Stomach displacement from the enlarging uterus plus altered esophageal sphincter and gastric tone as a result of progesterone predispose the woman to heartburn. The tone and motility of the gastrointestinal tract are decreased, not increased, during pregnancy. Emptying of the gallbladder may become more sluggish during pregnancy but is not r/t indigestion. Rather, some women are predisposed to gallstone formation. A lower blood pressure may occur during the second semester, but it does not affect digestion.

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