The nurse is reviewing fetal and maternal circulation with a group of nursing students. Which statement by a student demonstrates a need for further clarification?
"The placenta is the site of gas exchange for the fetus."
"The umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta."
"The fetal heart pumps blood to both the placenta and the developing organs."
"Maternal and fetal blood mix to allow for nutrient and oxygen exchange."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "The placenta is the site of gas exchange for the fetus."
This is correct because the placenta facilitates oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between maternal and fetal circulation without direct blood mixing.
B. "The umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta."
This is correct because the two umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta, where gas exchange occurs.
C. "The fetal heart pumps blood to both the placenta and the developing organs."
This is correct because the fetal heart pumps oxygenated blood to its developing organs and sends deoxygenated blood to the placenta for gas exchange.
D. "Maternal and fetal blood mix to allow for nutrient and oxygen exchange."
This is incorrect because maternal and fetal blood do not mix under normal conditions. Instead, nutrients, gases, and waste products pass through the placental barrier via diffusion. If maternal and fetal blood mix, it could indicate a placental rupture or pathological condition.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Retained placental fragments
This is incorrect because retained placental fragments are more commonly associated with prolonged third-stage labor or incomplete placental expulsion, rather than fetal macrosomia.
B. Uterine atony
This is correct because a large baby (macrosomia) causes overdistension of the uterus, increasing the risk of uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract effectively). This can lead to postpartum hemorrhage.
C. Puerperal infection
This is incorrect because puerperal infection is usually related to prolonged rupture of membranes, poor hygiene, or invasive procedures, rather than fetal size alone.
D. Thrombophlebitis
While pregnancy increases the risk of clot formation, the most immediate concern for this client is uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It halts cervical dilation."
This is incorrect because betamethasone does not stop cervical dilation or preterm labor. Medications like tocolytics (e.g., nifedipine, magnesium sulfate, terbutaline) are used to delay labor, while betamethasone is given to enhance fetal lung maturity.
B. "It increases the fetal heart rate."
This is incorrect because betamethasone does not directly increase fetal heart rate. While corticosteroids may cause temporary fetal tachycardia, their primary role is enhancing fetal lung development.
C. "It promotes fetal lung maturity."
This is correct because betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to promote the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. It is typically administered between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation in cases of anticipated preterm birth.
D. "It is used to stop preterm labor contractions."
This is incorrect because betamethasone does not stop contractions. Tocolytics like nifedipine, magnesium sulfate, and terbutaline are used for that purpose, whereas betamethasone is specifically for fetal lung development.
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