A pregnant client has come to the emergency department with complaints of nasal congestion and epistaxis. Which is the correct interpretation of these symptoms by the health care provider?
A) Nasal stuffiness and nosebleeds are caused by a decrease in progesterone.
B) These conditions are abnormal. Refer the client to an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
C) Estrogen relaxes the smooth muscles in the respiratory tract, so congestion and epistaxis are within normal limits.
D) Estrogen causes increased blood supply to the mucous membranes and can result in congestion and nosebleeds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As capillaries become engorged, the upper respiratory tract is affected by the subsequent edema and hyperemia, which causes these conditions, seen commonly during pregnancy. Progesterone is responsible for the heightened awareness of the need to breathe in pregnancy. Progesterone levels increase during pregnancy. The client should be reassured that these symptoms are within normal limits. No referral is needed at this time. Relaxation of the smooth muscles in the respiratory tract is affected by progesterone.

A Pregnant Client Has Come to the Emergency Department with Complaints