Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Maternal Child Nursing Care 5Th Edition Perry Test Bank Full Chapter PDF
Maternal Child Nursing Care 5Th Edition Perry Test Bank Full Chapter PDF
Maternal Child Nursing Care 5Th Edition Perry Test Bank Full Chapter PDF
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A woman’s obstetric history indicates that she is pregnant for the fourth time and all of her
children from previous pregnancies are living. One was born at 39 weeks of gestation, twins
were born at 34 weeks of gestation, and another child was born at 35 weeks of gestation. What
is her gravidity and parity using the GTPAL system?
a. 3-1-1-1-3 c. 3-0-3-0-3
b. 4-1-2-0-4 d. 4-2-1-0-3
ANS: B
The correct calculation of this woman’s gravidity and parity is 4-1-2-0-4. The numbers reflect
the woman’s gravidity and parity information. Using the GPTAL system, her information is
calculated as:
G: The first number reflects the total number of times the woman has been pregnant; she is
pregnant for the fourth time.
T: This number indicates the number of pregnancies carried to term, not the number of
deliveries at term; only one of her pregnancies has resulted in a fetus at term.
P: This is the number of pregnancies that resulted in a preterm birth; the woman has had two
pregnancies in which she delivered preterm.
A: This number signifies whether the woman has had any abortions or miscarriages before the
period of viability; she has not.
L: This number signifies the number of children born that currently are living; the woman has
four children.
2. A woman at 10 weeks of gestation who is seen in the prenatal clinic with presumptive signs
and symptoms of pregnancy likely will have:
a. Amenorrhea. c. Chadwick’s sign.
b. Positive pregnancy test. d. Hegar’s sign.
ANS: A
Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Presumptive signs of pregnancy are felt by
the woman. A positive pregnancy test, the presence of Chadwick’s sign, and the presence of
Hegar’s sign all are probable signs of pregnancy.
3. The nurse teaches a pregnant woman about the presumptive, probable, and positive signs of
pregnancy. The woman demonstrates understanding of the nurse’s instructions if she states
that a positive sign of pregnancy is:
a. A positive pregnancy test.
b. Fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife.
c. Braxton Hicks contractions.
d. Quickening.
ANS: B
Positive signs of pregnancy are attributed to the presence of a fetus, such as hearing the fetal
heartbeat or palpating fetal movement. A positive pregnancy test and Braxton Hicks
contractions are probable signs of pregnancy. Quickening is a presumptive sign of pregnancy.
4. A woman is at 14 weeks of gestation. The nurse would expect to palpate the fundus at which
level?
a. Not palpable above the symphysis at this time
b. Slightly above the symphysis pubis
c. At the level of the umbilicus
d. Slightly above the umbilicus
ANS: B
In normal pregnancies, the uterus grows at a predictable rate. It may be palpated above the
symphysis pubis sometime between the twelfth and fourteenth weeks of pregnancy. As the
uterus grows, it may be palpated above the symphysis pubis sometime between the twelfth
and fourteenth weeks of pregnancy. The uterus rises gradually to the level of the umbilicus at
22 to 24 weeks of gestation.
5. During a client’s physical examination the nurse notes that the lower uterine segment is soft
on palpation. The nurse would document this finding as:
a. Hegar’s sign c. Chadwick’s sign
b. McDonald’s sign d. Goodell’s sign
ANS: A
At approximately 6 weeks of gestation, softening and compressibility of the lower uterine
segment occur; this is called Hegar’s sign. McDonald’s sign indicates a fast food restaurant.
Chadwick’s sign is the blue-violet coloring of the cervix caused by increased vascularity; this
occurs around the fourth week of gestation. Softening of the cervical tip is called Goodell’s
sign, which may be observed around the sixth week of pregnancy.
6. Cardiovascular system changes occur during pregnancy. Which finding would be considered
normal for a woman in her second trimester?
a. Less audible heart sounds (S1, S2)
b. Increased pulse rate
c. Increased blood pressure
d. Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production
ANS: B
Between 14 and 20 weeks of gestation, the pulse increases about 10 to 15 beats/min, which
persists to term. Splitting of S1 and S2 is more audible. In the first trimester, blood pressure
usually remains the same as at the prepregnancy level, but it gradually decreases up to about
20 weeks of gestation. During the second trimester, both the systolic and the diastolic
pressures decrease by about 5 to 10 mm Hg. Production of RBCs accelerates during
pregnancy.
7. Numerous changes in the integumentary system occur during pregnancy. Which change
persists after birth?
a. Epulis c. Telangiectasia
b. Chloasma d. Striae gravidarum
ANS: D
Striae gravidarum, or stretch marks, reflect separation within the underlying connective tissue
of the skin. They usually fade after birth, although they never disappear completely. An epulis
is a red, raised nodule on the gums that bleeds easily. Chloasma, or mask of pregnancy, is a
blotchy, brown hyperpigmentation of the skin over the cheeks, nose, and forehead, especially
in dark-complexioned pregnant women. Chloasma usually fades after the birth.
Telangiectasia, or vascular spiders, are tiny, star-shaped or branchlike, slightly raised,
pulsating end-arterioles usually found on the neck, thorax, face, and arms. They occur as a
result of elevated levels of circulating estrogen. These usually disappear after birth.
8. The musculoskeletal system adapts to the changes that occur during pregnancy. A woman can
expect to experience what change?
a. Her center of gravity will shift backward.
b. She will have increased lordosis.
c. She will have increased abdominal muscle tone.
d. She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints.
ANS: B
An increase in the normal lumbosacral curve (lordosis) develops, and a compensatory
curvature in the cervicodorsal region develops to help the woman maintain her balance. The
center of gravity shifts forward. She will have decreased muscle tone. She will notice
increased mobility of her pelvic joints.
10. A woman is in her seventh month of pregnancy. She has been complaining of nasal
congestion and occasional epistaxis. The nurse suspects that:
a. This is a normal respiratory change in pregnancy caused by elevated levels of
estrogen.
b. This is an abnormal cardiovascular change, and the nosebleeds are an ominous
sign.
c. The woman is a victim of domestic violence and is being hit in the face by her
partner.
d. The woman has been using cocaine intranasally.
ANS: A
Elevated levels of estrogen cause capillaries to become engorged in the respiratory tract. This
may result in edema in the nose, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. This congestion may cause
nasal stuffiness and epistaxis. Cardiovascular changes in pregnancy may cause edema in
lower extremities. Determining that the woman is a victim of domestic violence and was hit in
the face cannot be made on the basis of the sparse facts provided. If the woman had been hit
in the face, she most likely would have additional physical findings. Determination of the use
of cocaine by the woman cannot be made on the basis of the sparse facts provided.
11. The nurse caring for the pregnant client must understand that the hormone essential for
maintaining pregnancy is:
a. Estrogen.
b. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
c. Oxytocin.
d. Progesterone.
ANS: D
Progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy; it does so by relaxing smooth muscles.
This reduces uterine activity and prevents miscarriage. Estrogen plays a vital role in
pregnancy, but it is not the primary hormone for maintaining pregnancy. hCG levels increase
at implantation but decline after 60 to 70 days. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions.
12. A patient at 24 weeks of gestation contacts the nurse at her obstetric provider’s office to
complain that she has cravings for dirt and gravel. The nurse is aware that this condition is
known as ________ and may indicate anemia.
a. Ptyalism c. Pica
b. Pyrosis d. Decreased peristalsis
ANS: C
Pica (a desire to eat nonfood substances) is an indication of iron deficiency and should be
evaluated. Ptyalism (excessive salivation), pyrosis (heartburn), and decreased peristalsis are
normal findings of gastrointestinal change during pregnancy. Food cravings during pregnancy
are normal.
13. Appendicitis may be difficult to diagnose in pregnancy because the appendix is:
a. Displaced upward and laterally, high and to the right.
b. Displaced upward and laterally, high and to the left.
c. Deep at McBurney point.
d. Displaced downward and laterally, low and to the right.
ANS: A
The appendix is displaced high and to the right, beyond McBurney point.
14. A woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus (or fetuses) reaching the stage of
fetal viability is called a:
a. Primipara. c. Multipara.
b. Primigravida. d. Nulligravida.
ANS: A
A primipara is a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a viable fetus. To remember
terms, keep in mind: gravida is a pregnant woman; para comes from parity, meaning a viable
fetus; primi means first; multi means many; and null means none. A primigravida is a woman
pregnant for the first time. A multipara is a woman who has completed two or more
pregnancies with a viable fetus. A nulligravida is a woman who has never been pregnant.
16. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an important biochemical marker for pregnancy and
the basis for many tests. A maternity nurse should be aware that:
a. hCG can be detected 2.5 weeks after conception.
b. The hCG level increases gradually and uniformly throughout pregnancy.
c. Much lower than normal increases in the level of hCG may indicate a postdate
pregnancy.
d. A higher than normal level of hCG may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or Down
syndrome.
ANS: D
Higher levels also could be a sign of multiple gestation. hCG can be detected 7 to 8 days after
conception. The hCG level fluctuates during pregnancy: peaking, declining, stabilizing, and
increasing again. Abnormally slow increases may indicate impending miscarriage.
17. To reassure and educate pregnant clients about changes in the uterus, nurses should be aware
that:
a. Lightening occurs near the end of the second trimester as the uterus rises into a
different position.
b. The woman’s increased urinary frequency in the first trimester is the result of
exaggerated uterine antireflexion caused by softening.
c. Braxton Hicks contractions become more painful in the third trimester, particularly
if the woman tries to exercise.
d. The uterine souffle is the movement of the fetus.
ANS: B
The softening of the lower uterine segment is called Hegar’s sign. Lightening occurs in the
last 2 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus descends. Braxton Hicks contractions become more
defined in the final trimester but are not painful. Walking or exercise usually causes them to
stop. The uterine souffle is the sound made by blood in the uterine arteries; it can be heard
with a fetal stethoscope.
18. To reassure and educate pregnant clients about changes in the cervix, vagina, and position of
the fetus, nurses should be aware that:
a. Because of a number of changes in the cervix, abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) tests
are much easier to evaluate.
b. Quickening is a technique of palpating the fetus to engage it in passive movement.
c. The deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix (Chadwick’s sign) usually
appears in the second trimester or later as the vagina prepares to stretch during
labor.
d. Increased vascularity of the vagina increases sensitivity and may lead to a high
degree of arousal, especially in the second trimester.
ANS: D
Increased sensitivity and an increased interest in sex sometimes go together. This frequently
occurs during the second trimester. Cervical changes make evaluation of abnormal Pap tests
more difficult. Quickening is the first recognition of fetal movements by the mother.
Ballottement is a technique used to palpate the fetus. Chadwick’s sign appears from the sixth
to eighth weeks.
19. The mucous plug that forms in the endocervical canal is called the:
a. Operculum. c. Funic souffle.
b. Leukorrhea. d. Ballottement.
ANS: A
The operculum protects against bacterial invasion. Leukorrhea is the mucus that forms the
endocervical plug (the operculum). The funic souffle is the sound of blood flowing through
the umbilical vessels. Ballottement is a technique for palpating the fetus.
20. To reassure and educate pregnant clients about changes in their breasts, nurses should be
aware that:
a. The visibility of blood vessels that form an intertwining blue network indicates full
function of Montgomery’s tubercles and possibly infection of the tubercles.
b. The mammary glands do not develop until 2 weeks before labor.
c. Lactation is inhibited until the estrogen level declines after birth.
d. Colostrum is the yellowish oily substance used to lubricate the nipples for
breastfeeding.
ANS: C
Lactation is inhibited until after birth. The visible blue network of blood vessels is a normal
outgrowth of a richer blood supply. The mammary glands are functionally complete by
midpregnancy. Colostrum is a creamy, white-to-yellow premilk fluid that can be expressed
from the nipples before birth.
21. To reassure and educate pregnant clients about changes in their cardiovascular system,
maternity nurses should be aware that:
a. A pregnant woman experiencing disturbed cardiac rhythm, such as sinus
arrhythmia requires close medical and obstetric observation, no matter how healthy
she otherwise may appear.
b. Changes in heart size and position and increases in blood volume create auditory
changes from 20 weeks to term.
c. Palpitations are twice as likely to occur in twin gestations.
d. All of the above changes likely will occur.
ANS: B
Auscultatory changes should be discernible after 20 weeks of gestation. A healthy woman
with no underlying heart disease does not need any therapy. The maternal heart rate increases
in the third trimester, but palpitations may not occur. Auditory changes are discernible at 20
weeks.
22. To reassure and educate their pregnant clients about changes in their blood pressure, maternity
nurses should be aware that:
a. A blood pressure cuff that is too small produces a reading that is too low; a cuff
that is too large produces a reading that is too high.
b. Shifting the client’s position and changing from arm to arm for different
measurements produces the most accurate composite blood pressure reading at
each visit.
c. The systolic blood pressure increases slightly as pregnancy advances; the diastolic
pressure remains constant.
d. Compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus contributes to
hemorrhoids in the later stage of term pregnancy.
ANS: D
Compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava also leads to varicose veins in the legs
and vulva. The tightness of a cuff that is too small produces a reading that is too high;
similarly the looseness of a cuff that is too large results in a reading that is too low. Because
maternal positioning affects readings, blood pressure measurements should be obtained in the
same arm and with the woman in the same position. The systolic blood pressure generally
remains constant but may decline slightly as pregnancy advances. The diastolic blood pressure
first decreases and then gradually increases.
24. To reassure and educate pregnant clients about the functioning of their kidneys in eliminating
waste products, maternity nurses should be aware that:
a. Increased urinary output makes pregnant women less susceptible to urinary
infection.
b. Increased bladder sensitivity and then compression of the bladder by the enlarging
uterus results in the urge to urinate even if the bladder is almost empty.
c. Renal (kidney) function is more efficient when the woman assumes a supine
position.
d. Using diuretics during pregnancy can help keep kidney function regular.
ANS: B
First bladder sensitivity and then compression of the bladder by the uterus result in the urge to
urinate more often. Numerous anatomic changes make a pregnant woman more susceptible to
urinary tract infection. Renal function is more efficient when the woman lies in the lateral
recumbent position and less efficient when she is supine. Diuretic use during pregnancy can
overstress the system and cause problems.
26. A first-time mother at 18 weeks of gestation comes for her regularly scheduled prenatal visit.
The client tells the nurse that she is afraid that she is going into premature labor because she is
beginning to have regular contractions. The nurse explains that this is the Braxton Hicks sign
and teaches the client that this type of contraction:
a. Is painless. c. Causes cervical dilation.
b. Increases with walking. d. Impedes oxygen flow to the fetus.
ANS: A
Uterine contractions can be felt through the abdominal wall soon after the fourth month of
gestation. Braxton Hicks contractions are regular and painless and continue throughout the
pregnancy. Although they are not painful, some women complain that they are annoying.
Braxton Hicks contractions usually cease with walking or exercise. They can be mistaken for
true labor; however, they do not increase in intensity or frequency or cause cervical dilation.
In addition, they facilitate uterine blood flow through the intervillous spaces of the placenta
and promote oxygen delivery to the fetus.
27. Which finding in the urine analysis of a pregnant woman is considered a variation of normal?
a. Proteinuria c. Bacteria in the urine.
b. Glycosuria d. Ketones in the urine.
ANS: B
Small amounts of glucose may indicate “physiologic spilling.” The presence of protein could
indicate kidney disease or preeclampsia. Urinary tract infections are associated with bacteria
in the urine. An increase in ketones indicates that the patient is exercising too strenuously or
has an inadequate fluid and food intake.
28. The maternity nurse understands that vascular volume increases 40% to 60% during
pregnancy to:
a. Compensate for decreased renal plasma flow.
b. Provide adequate perfusion of the placenta.
c. Eliminate metabolic wastes of the mother.
d. Prevent maternal and fetal dehydration.
ANS: B
The primary function of increased vascular volume is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the
fetus via the placenta. Renal plasma flow increases during pregnancy. Assisting with pulling
metabolic wastes from the fetus for maternal excretion is one purpose of the increased
vascular volume.
30. A patient in her first trimester complains of nausea and vomiting. She asks, “Why does this
happen?” The nurse’s best response is:
a. “It is due to an increase in gastric motility.”
b. “It may be due to changes in hormones.”
c. “It is related to an increase in glucose levels.”
d. “It is caused by a decrease in gastric secretions.”
ANS: B
Nausea and vomiting are believed to be caused by increased levels of hormones, decreased
gastric motility, and hypoglycemia. Gastric motility decreases during pregnancy. Glucose
levels decrease in the first trimester. Although gastric secretions decrease, this is not the main
cause of nausea and vomiting.
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
31. The diagnosis of pregnancy is based on which positive signs of pregnancy (Select all that
apply)?
a. Identification of fetal heartbeat
b. Palpation of fetal outline
c. Visualization of the fetus
d. Verification of fetal movement
e. Positive hCG test
ANS: A, C, D
Identification of fetal heartbeat, visualization of the fetus, and verification of fetal movement
all are positive, objective signs of pregnancy. Palpation of fetal outline and a positive hCG test
are probable signs of pregnancy. A tumor also can be palpated. Medication and tumors may
lead to false-positive results on pregnancy tests.
32. A woman is in for a routine prenatal checkup. You are assessing her urine for proteinuria.
Which findings are considered normal (Select all that apply)?
a. Dipstick assessment of trace to +1 c. Dipstick assessment of +2
b. <300 mg/24 hours d. >300 mg/24 hours
ANS: A, B
Small amounts of protein in the urine are acceptable during pregnancy. The presence of
protein in greater amounts may indicate renal problems. A dipstick assessment of +2 and >300
mg/24 hours are excessive amounts of protein in the urine and should be evaluated further.
33. During pregnancy, many changes occur as a direct result of the presence of the fetus. Which
of these adaptations meet this criteria?
a. Leukorrhea
b. Development of the operculum
c. Quickening
d. Ballottement
e. Lightening
ANS: C, D, E
Leukorrhea is a white or slightly gray vaginal discharge that develops in response to cervical
stimulation by estrogen and progesterone. Quickening is the first recognition of fetal
movements or “feeling life.” Quickening is often described as a flutter and is felt earlier in
multiparous women than in primiparas. Lightening occurs when the fetus begins to descend
into the pelvis. This occurs 2 weeks before labor in the nullipara and at the start of labor in the
multipara. Mucus fills the cervical canal creating a plug otherwise known as the operculum.
The operculum acts as a barrier against bacterial invasion during the pregnancy. Passive
movement of the unengaged fetus is referred to as ballottement.
COMPLETION
34. A woman is 6 weeks pregnant. She has had a previous spontaneous abortion at 14 weeks of
gestation and a pregnancy that ended at 38 weeks with the birth of a stillborn girl. What is her
gravidity and parity using the GTPAL system?
___________________
ANS:
3-1-0-1-0
The correct calculation of this woman’s gravidity and parity is 3-1-0-1-0. Using the GPTAL
system, this client’s gravidity and parity information is calculated as follows:
G: Total number of times the woman has been pregnant (she is pregnant for the third time)
T: Number of pregnancies carried to term (she has had only one pregnancy that resulted in a
fetus at term)
P: Number of pregnancies that resulted in a preterm birth (none)
A: Abortions or miscarriages before the period of viability (she has had one)
L: Number of children born who are currently living (she has no living children)
With respect to the fair sex, they are generally lively and
fascinating, and possessed of susceptible feelings, capable of being
converted into strong attachments. These are some of the essential
requisites for forming an amiable, and virtuous character; but, alas!
the good is perverted by the influence of an injudicious and trifling
system of education, extended at most to superficial literary
acquisitions, which barely serve for the dictation of an ungrammatical
billetdoux, or the copying of a song. The most devoted attention is
given to the art of pleasing, and the study of dress, which, with the
auxiliaries of music and embroidery, form the leading occupations of
young French females.
When the grapes are of a bad, meagre kind, the wine-dealers mix
the juice with quicklime, in order to give it a spirit which nature has
denied, or, possibly, to take off acidity.
About this time, Dr. Skirving, an English physician, whom I had the
pleasure of knowing in Edinburgh, and an intimate acquaintance of
Madame M⸺, arrived with a view of establishing himself in
practice at Nice. He had originally become known at this place, in
consequence of having been detained in it by the illness of a friend,
who in an intended voyage from Civita Vecchia to Marseilles,
ruptured a blood-vessel on his lungs, by the exertions of sea-
sickness, and was compelled to make this port, where, after lingering
some months, he died. Pleased with the situation, and at the
solicitations of his friends, he determined to make Nice his
permanent residence, and having arranged his affairs in England,
was now arrived to carry the plan into execution.
The 15th of October now arrived, which, being St. Therese’s day,
was the fête of Madame M⸺, as well as the anniversary of my
birth. The former circumstance it may be necessary to explain. It is
customary in this country to name children after some favourite saint,
to whose especial protection they may thus be supposed to be
committed; and hence, when the annual fête of their patron arrives, it
is made a day of congratulation to themselves.
The dregs which remain after these operations, when dried, are
used as a fuel; particularly for warming, by means of brasieres,
apartments without chimneys.
The summer fruits, as grapes, figs, peaches, &c. were now over,
but we had great stores preserved for the winter’s use. There were,
however, neither oranges nor lemons this season, the unusually
severe frost of the preceding winter having killed all the trees:
throughout France, and about Genoa, most of the olive-trees also
perished; but at Nice they were more fortunate.
The land around the city is divided into small parcels or farms,
seldom consisting of more than twelve or fourteen acres each, and
which are principally covered with vines, olives, and fruit-trees, the
intermediate spaces being filled up with abundance of vegetables,
and small quantities of grain, the chief supply of this important article
being derived from different parts of the Mediterranean.
The proprietor retains the actual possession of the farm, but the
fermier cultivates it, collects its produce, and carries it to market; he
is bound also to plant, every year, a stipulated number of vines, from
three to six hundred, according to the size of the farm; and at his
sole expense to repair the walls and fences. The proprietor provides
him a house, pays the contribution foncier, and incurs half the
expense of manure, and of the animals necessary for carrying on the
various operations of the concern. The proprietor and fermier then
share the produce in equal proportions, except as relates to the
olives, of which the former takes three-fifths.
We now took leave of St. Rosalie; nor could I, without the highest
regret, tear myself away from its rural charms, not least amongst
which was the vine covered alley, “impervious to the noontide ray,”
which had so often offered us delightful shade, and refreshment,
during the most intense atmospheric heats; and where so many
happy moments had glided away in interesting conversation, and the
rational amusement of reading, frequently enlivened by the vocal
powers of Madame M⸺ and her youngest daughter.
Nice is far from being a large city, as I was able to make the tour of
its ramparts in twenty minutes; nor is it an interesting one; the streets
are narrow, and mostly on a level, with the exception of one or two
which lead to a part of the town situated in a hollow, and which have
a step every two or three yards to break the declivity.
Nice produces very fair wines, both red and white; but the most
valuable kind is that named Billit.
The accommodations for bathing are indifferent; the beach is
rough and stony, and there are no machines. On summer evenings,
after it is dark, the females take possession of the beach, on one
side of the entrance of the harbour, and there bathe, while the men
go to a distant point.
There are, however, two sets of warm baths in the town, the one
constructed of marble, the other with copper; the former, situated
near the Place St. Dominico, are long, narrow, and shallow; when in
them, you only want a cover to make a good coffin—the latter, on the
contrary, situated on the ramparts between the bridge and the Place
Victoire, are so short and deep, that although you cannot lie down in
them, you may sit, and have the water up to your chin; in fact they
form excellent boilers, which would serve to stew you down, if
required.
Among the many beautiful walks about Nice, the Terrace ranks
foremost; it is crowded on a summer’s evening, but during the winter
is delightful throughout the whole day, particularly on a Sunday
afternoon, when a military band occasionally attends for an hour or
two. The walks to the Port, and around the ramparts, are also very
agreeable.
Only three good carriage roads will be found at Nice, one leading
to the Var, another to Turin, and the third to Genoa; there is also one
to Villa Franca, but so steep, that many do not like to venture up it;
the preferable way of visiting this latter place, is to row there in a
boat or felucca, and return on foot.
Villa Franca is a small, but strongly fortified town, distant about two
miles from Nice, built at the extremity of a fine harbour, in a situation
admirably adapted for the site of a more important place. It consists
of very indifferent buildings, and its streets are narrow, and
wretchedly paved.
Nice and its environs do not offer a very extensive field to the
naturalist. The surrounding mountains are, however, covered with a
great variety of plants during the whole year; and, of course, the
botanist will find ample amusement. The mineralogy of the
neighbourhood is but limited, the whole of the hills around the city
consisting chiefly of limestone, with some few beds of gypsum. In the
beds of the mountain torrents, portions are occasionally found of
granite, gneiss, clay-slate, flinty-slate, serpentine and feltspar; but
these specimens so small and so much weathered, that it is often
difficult to distinguish them.
A very pretty, but small theatre, has been erected at Nice, which
was not opened for dramatic representations during my residence
there. It was, however, made use of for two grand balls, given by a
select party of the nobles and gentlemen of Nice, to the stranger
residents; we were also entertained with a public concert in it; we
had, besides this, several private amateur concerts, in a large room
appropriated for such occasions, and supported by subscription,
each subscriber being allowed to introduce a certain number of
persons.
On the 3rd of January, the waters of the Paglion came down with
so much force, as to carry away the embankment, raised for the
protection of the workmen employed at the foundation of a new
bridge, just commenced over the river, and which was expected to
require two years to complete.
The coldest day experienced during the season, was on the 20th
of February, but even then, the lowest point at which Reaumur’s
thermometer was noticed, was 1° above freezing point, or equal to
34¼° of Fahrenheit.
After leaving the harbour, the wind was light and variable, and the
water smooth, so that by dint of rowing and sailing, we proceeded at
the rate of three miles an hour. On arriving off the town, and
principality of Monaco, we stood towards the shore, and took on
board three sailors, belonging to a Sardinian frigate, lying at Genoa,
who had been visiting their friends at Monaco, and agreed to work
their passage back to the former place.
After breakfast, the whole of our party, except the Italian lady and
myself, set off on mules for Genoa, we having determined to remain
in hopes of the wind shortly becoming favourable, in which case, we
doubted not, by pursuing our original plan, still to reach Genoa
before them, and avoid a difficult and expensive journey by land.
The wind, which throughout the night had continued fresh, in the
morning became more moderate and favourable; soon after day-light
we weighed anchor, stood out of the harbour, and beat up along
shore during the day, making what sailors call a long leg and a short
one, or perhaps what will be more intelligible, a long tack and a short
one, the wind being three points on the right side of our noses; about
evening it freshened, and was fed by small rain. A Swedish brig
passed us at two p.m. which was running out of the gulf of Genoa,
with a fine fair wind. About eight in the evening, the wind had
increased in such a degree, that the captain thought it necessary to
seek shelter for the night, but it was become so dark, that in running
for a place he had been accustomed to, the vessel took ground,
under the lee of some small uninhabited island. The whole crew,
including himself, now made such a hue-and-cry, that one would
have thought, nothing less than immediate destruction was to be the
result of this mistake; however, we made shift to secure the vessel to
the rocks, with an anchor, and it was fortunate that we succeeded in
effecting this, for the wind soon increased to a tremendous gale, with
heavy rain, which continued through the present night, and the
following day and night also.
It was true that this was Friday, but my fair companion was not in a
situation to think of maigre day, even had it been Vendrédi saint
itself. I believe the influence of the French Revolution, has
contributed materially to lessen the superstitions of the Catholic
countries, which have been exposed to its action. I have heard a
French officer remark, that for his part he had met with a sufficient
number of maigre days during the war, and could now afford no
more, but must live gras to make up for what he had lost. The priests
still contrive to make many women, children, and servants, observe
their ordinances, but the men have ventured, pretty generally, to
throw off their restraint.
We rose with day-break, and finding the wind still adverse, after
settling with the captain, went on shore, and taking places in the
voiture to Genoa, determined no longer to be the sport of the winds.
There were but two vacancies in the coach, and finding our anxiety
to proceed with it, the conducteur would fain have taken advantage
of it, but the lady managed the affair well, for offering what she knew
to be the usual sum, viz. five francs for each of us; on their refusal to
accept it, under the plea that there was no other coach that day, we
walked off, and pretended to be indifferent about it: this manœuvre
brought them to, and before we had proceeded the length of a street,
the conducteur came running after us, to say that he was willing to
take us; after this, however, we had some trouble to get our luggage
to the carriage, and were obliged to walk part of the way out of town,
in doing which we were followed by the most importunate host of
beggars I had ever witnessed in my life; my companion was so
confused that she could with difficulty count out her money to pay
the porters, &c. At length our supplicants dropped off, one by one,
until we literally out-walked them all.
The succeeding day was the last of the Carnival, and a great
number of people were parading the streets masked, and in all the
fantastic garb of the season; the business, however, appeared to be
kept up with more spirit than at Toulouse on the preceding winter. In
the course of the evening a person with whom I was walking
addressed a female mask, who said she was cook in a gentleman’s
family, and that she must hasten home to wash the dishes; on
parting, we induced her to shake hands with us; and if I am a judge
of the affair, I pronounce that her hand had never been in dish-water,
for a prettier formed, or more delicate one, I never touched in my life.
In the evening, the festival concluded with masked-balls at the
theatres, and other amusements.