A Pregnant Woman Has Come to the Emergency Department with Complaints

Multiple Choice

A pregnant woman 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 patient 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.