After the delivery of the placenta, a nurse in labor and delivery examines the umbilical cord.
Which of the following vessels should the nurse expect to observe in the umbilical cord?

Choice A rationale

A sweat test is used to diagnose cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. It is not used to diagnose pernicious anemia.

Choice B rationale

Haptoglobin is a protein produced by the liver that binds to hemoglobin in the blood to prevent it from being excreted through the kidneys. While it can be used to diagnose conditions that cause the destruction of red blood cells, it is not used to diagnose pernicious anemia.

Choice C rationale

The Schilling test is used to determine whether the body absorbs vitamin B12 normally, which is crucial for the diagnosis of pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is a condition where the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein made in the stomach.

Choice D rationale

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are a type of autoantibody that can attack the body’s own tissues. While they can be present in various autoimmune diseases, they are not used to diagnose pernicious anemia.

Choice A rationale

Decreased follicle-stimulating hormone is not the major cause of the onset of menopause and the resulting atrophy of the vulvar organs. The major cause is decreased estrogen.

Choice B rationale

Increased levels of prostaglandin are not the major cause of the onset of menopause and the resulting atrophy of the vulvar organs. The major cause is decreased estrogen.

Choice C rationale

Decreased estrogen is the major cause of the onset of menopause and the resulting atrophy of the vulvar organs. During perimenopause, less estrogen may cause the tissues of the vulva and the lining of the vagina to become thinner, drier, and less elastic or flexible.

Choice D rationale

Increased luteinizing hormone is not the major cause of the onset of menopause and the resulting atrophy of the vulvar organs. The major cause is decreased estrogen.