Which statement about fetal circulation is true?
Fetal circulation is no longer effective at birth.
Fetal circulation continues until red blood cells are broken down.
Fetal circulation continues until after the stress of labor.
Fetal circulation continues until adulthood.
The Correct Answer is C
Fetal circulation continues until after the stress of labor.
Choice A rationale:
Fetal circulation undergoes significant changes at birth. It becomes ineffective as the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life occurs. The foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus, which allow blood to bypass certain fetal circulatory pathways, close as the baby breathes for the first time.
Choice B rationale:
Fetal circulation does not continue until red blood cells are broken down. Red blood cells in a fetus have a shorter lifespan than those in adults and are continually replaced throughout gestation. However, their breakdown is not the reason for the changes in fetal circulation.
Choice C rationale:
The correct answer. Fetal circulation continues until after the stress of labor. During labor, the baby experiences increased stress and pressure, which helps trigger various physiological changes, including the closure of specific fetal circulatory shunts.
Choice D rationale:
Fetal circulation does not continue until adulthood. As mentioned earlier, the transition from fetal to adult circulation occurs during and after birth, with the closure of specific fetal shunts and the establishment of a fully functional adult circulatory system.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Fetal circulation continues until after the stress of labor.
Choice A rationale:
Fetal circulation undergoes significant changes at birth. It becomes ineffective as the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life occurs. The foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus, which allow blood to bypass certain fetal circulatory pathways, close as the baby breathes for the first time.
Choice B rationale:
Fetal circulation does not continue until red blood cells are broken down. Red blood cells in a fetus have a shorter lifespan than those in adults and are continually replaced throughout gestation. However, their breakdown is not the reason for the changes in fetal circulation.
Choice C rationale:
The correct answer. Fetal circulation continues until after the stress of labor. During labor, the baby experiences increased stress and pressure, which helps trigger various physiological changes, including the closure of specific fetal circulatory shunts.
Choice D rationale:
Fetal circulation does not continue until adulthood. As mentioned earlier, the transition from fetal to adult circulation occurs during and after birth, with the closure of specific fetal shunts and the establishment of a fully functional adult circulatory system.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing a heat source for the newborn is not the purpose of surfactant. Surfactant is a substance produced in the lungs to reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse during expiration. It helps with the exchange of gases, but it does not generate heat.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Surfactant plays a crucial role in assisting the alveoli to remain open by reducing surface tension. This, in turn, allows for proper gas exchange, especially of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the ductus arteriosus to remain open is not the purpose of surfactant. The ductus arteriosus is a fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the lungs. After birth, it should close on its own, and surfactant does not influence this process.
Choice D rationale:
Providing energy to the newborn is not the purpose of surfactant. Energy for the newborn comes from nutrition, particularly breast milk or formula, and not from surfactant
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