During a prenatal visit, a pregnant woman says, "I know the amniotic fluid is important, but can you tell me more about it?" When describing amniotic fluid to a pregnant woman, which description would the nurse most likely include?
This fluid acts as a cushion to help protect your baby from injury.
The amount of fluid remains fairly constant throughout the pregnancy.
The fluid is mostly protein to provide nourishment to your baby.
This fluid acts as a transport mechanism for oxygen and nutrients.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: This is correct because this description accurately reflects one of the main functions of amniotic fluid, which is to act as a shock absorber and buffer against external forces or movements that could harm the fetus. Amniotic fluid also allows the fetus to move freely and develop its muscles and bones.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because this description is false. The amount of amniotic fluid changes throughout the pregnancy, depending on the stage of fetal development and other factors. The normal range of amniotic fluid volume is between 500 and 1000 mL at term. Too much or too little amniotic fluid can indicate a problem with the fetus or the placenta.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because this description is false. The fluid is not mostly protein, but mostly water (about 98%). The water comes from the mother's blood plasma and the fetal urine. The remaining 2% of amniotic fluid consists of various substances, such as electrolytes, hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and fetal cells. Amniotic fluid does not provide nourishment to the fetus, but rather protects it from infection and helps regulate its temperature.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because this description is false. Amniotic fluid does not act as a transport mechanism for oxygen and nutrients, but rather as a barrier that prevents them from reaching the fetus directly. Oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the fetus through the placenta and the umbilical cord, which are connected to the maternal blood circulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix dilates prematurely and painlessly during pregnancy, leading to preterm delivery or second trimester abortion. It is not a common cause of first trimester abortion, which occurs before 12 weeks of gestation.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in or on the uterus. They may cause heavy bleeding, pain, or infertility, but they are not a common cause of first trimester abortion. They may increase the risk of miscarriage in later stages of pregnancy.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because fetal genetic abnormalities are the most common cause of first trimester abortion, accounting for up to 70% of cases. Fetal genetic abnormalities are errors in the number or structure of chromosomes that occur during fertilization or cell division. They can cause developmental defects or fetal demise that result in spontaneous abortion.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because maternal disease is not a common cause of first trimester abortion. Maternal disease refers to any medical condition that affects the mother's health or pregnancy outcome, such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, or infections. Maternal disease may increase the risk of miscarriage in later stages of pregnancy or cause other complications such as preterm labor or preeclampsia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is a genetic disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. It does not affect the AFP level, which is a protein produced by the fetus and placenta. Sickle-cell anemia can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as hemoglobin electrophoresis or DNA analysis.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because cardiac defects are structural abnormalities of the heart or blood vessels that affect the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. They may cause an increased AFP level, not a decreased one, as they can lead to fetal distress or edema. Cardiac defects can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as fetal echocardiography or ultrasound.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that results from an extra copy of chromosome 21. It causes various physical and mental developmental delays and defects in the fetus. It is associated with a decreased AFP level, as well as decreased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (uE3). Down syndrome can be confirmed by other prenatal tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory disorders are problems that affect the breathing and gas exchange of the fetus. They may cause an increased AFP level, not a decreased one, as they can lead to fetal distress or edema. Respiratory disorders can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as fetal biophysical profile (BPP) or nonstress test (NST).
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