A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is scheduled for a cesarean birth based on the fetal lungs having reached maturity. Which of the following findings indicates that the fetal lungs are mature?
Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) absent
Nonstress test is reactive
Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 2:1
Biophysical profile score of 8
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale: The presence of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in the amniotic fluid is another indicator of fetal lung maturity. The absence of PG is associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the newborn.
Choice B rationale: A nonstress test is a test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement. It is not directly related to assessing fetal lung maturity.
Choice C rationale: The L/S ratio is an important indicator of fetal lung maturity. Lecithin and sphingomyelin are two surfactants present in the lungs, and the ratio of these two substances increases as the fetal lungs mature. An L/S ratio of 2:1 or greater is considered an indication of lung maturity and suggests that the newborn should be able to breathe adequately after birth.
Choice D rationale: The biophysical profile (BPP) is a prenatal ultrasound assessment of the fetus, which includes evaluating fetal movements, breathing, heart rate, and amniotic fluid volume. While a BPP of 8 is a reassuring score, it does not provide direct information about fetal lung maturity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: While smoking during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both the mother and the baby, it is not the most common risk factor for placental abruption.
Choice B rationale: Maternal battering, or experiencing domestic violence, can have serious consequences for the pregnant woman and her unborn baby, but it is not the most common risk factor for placental abruption.
Choice C rationale: Maternal cocaine use during pregnancy can lead to various complications, but it is not the most common risk factor for placental abruption.
Choice D rationale: Maternal hypertension is the most common risk factor for placental abruption. Placental abruption is a serious condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, leading to potential complications for both the mother and the baby. Hypertension can cause changes in blood vessels that increase the risk of placental abruption.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Increasing the intake of iron is important during pregnancy to prevent anemia, but it is not specifically related to reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
Choice B rationale: Avoiding the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is essential to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome, but it is not directly related to reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
Choice C rationale: Avoiding the use of aspirin during pregnancy is recommended to reduce the risk of certain complications, but it is not specifically related to reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
Choice D rationale: Eating foods fortified with folic acid is a crucial preventive measure to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy significantly lowers the risk of these birth defects.
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