GTPAL Mastery
What is the Total number of pregnancies, including current?
Gravida
At what maternal ages does pregnancy risk increase?
Under 16 or over 35.
Burning on urination indicates what?
UTI
What happens to the uterus during pregnancy?
It increases in size, shape, and position to accommodate the growing fetus.
What is often the first presumptive sign of pregnancy noticed by the client?
Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
A woman at 32 weeks with one term birth and one abortion is currently pregnant. What’s her GTPAL?
3-1-0-1-1
Why does tobacco use increase the risk for low birth weight?
It decreases blood flow and oxygen to the fetus.
When can fetal heart tones first be heard by Doppler?
Around 12 weeks of gestation.
What is the term for early milk that may appear before delivery?
Colostrum.
“Fatigue” would be categorized as which type of sign?
Presumptive.
Number of pregnancies that reached viability (≥20 weeks), regardless of outcome.
Para
What condition can alcohol use during pregnancy cause?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
What does a sudden gush of vaginal fluid before 37 weeks indicate?
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
What causes the “waddling” gait often seen late in pregnancy?
Pelvic joint relaxation from hormonal influences (especially relaxin).
A client reports missing two periods and feeling fetal flutters. Which signs are these?
Presumptive signs.
Two elective abortions at 8 weeks, one spontaneous abortion at 13 weeks, one term birth, currently pregnant.
5-1-0-3-1
How does low socioeconomic status impact pregnancy outcomes?
Limits access to nutrition, healthcare, and maternity leave, increasing stress.
Between what weeks should fundal height in centimeters approximately equal gestational age?
Between 18 and 30 weeks.
How does the heart shift in position as the uterus enlarges?
It shifts upward and to the left
What term describes the bluish discoloration of the cervix or vaginal mucosa?
Chadwick’s sign.
Twins born at 35 weeks, one miscarriage at 9 weeks, and currently pregnant.
3-0-1-1-2
What chronic illnesses increase pregnancy risk?
Hypertension and diabetes
What condition is suspected when a pregnant client reports severe headache, blurred vision, and facial swelling?
Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.
Why might pregnant clients experience supine hypotensive syndrome when lying flat?
The enlarged uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, reducing venous return and cardiac output.
List all three positive signs of pregnancy.
Fetal heart tones, visualization on ultrasound, and fetal movement felt by examiner.