Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

Which vital sign changes are typically observed during pregnancy?

1. BP decreases and stroke volume increases

2. BP increases and cardiac output decreases

3. BP decreases and heart rate increases

4. BP decreases and respiratory rate decreases

The correct answer is: BP decreases and heart rate increases

During pregnancy, various physiological changes occur in the body to support the developing fetus, one of which includes alterations in vital signs. The correct answer indicates that blood pressure typically decreases while heart rate increases during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, there is an increase in blood volume and cardiac output, which often leads to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. The body adapts to this hyperdynamic state, resulting in a slight decrease in blood pressure, particularly during the second trimester. This drop can sometimes make women feel lightheaded, especially when standing. In contrast, the heart rate naturally increases as the body works harder to pump more blood and meet the metabolic demands of both the mother and the fetus. This increase in heart rate helps to maintain adequate cardiac output despite the changes in blood pressure that are taking place. Other choices provided do not align with the physiological understanding of vital signs during pregnancy. Blood pressure typically does not increase, nor does cardiac output decrease; both of these occurrences would suggest a different range of physiological responses that are not characteristic of normal pregnancy.