AMNIOTIC FLUID

Question 1

a membranous sac that surrounds the fetus; is metabolically active and is involved in the exchanges of water and chemicals between the fluid, the fetus, and the maternal circulation;
and produces peptides, growth factors, and cytokines

Answer 1

Amnion

Question 2

Primary functions of Amniotic fluid

Answer 2

1. provide a protective cushion for the fetus
2. allow fetal movement
3. stabilize the temperature to protect the fetus from extreme temperature changes
4. permit proper lung development

Question 3

The amount of amniotic fluid ____ in quantity throughout pregnancy, reaching a peak of approximately _____ during the third trimester, and then gradually ____ prior to delivery.

Answer 3

increases
800-1200 mL
decrease

Question 4

An amniotic fluid volume >1200 mL is called _____, whereas amniotic fluid volume <800 mL is termed ____

Answer 4

polyhydramnios
oligohydramnios

Question 5

lung surfactants that serve as an
index of fetal lung maturity

Answer 5

lecithin, sphingomyelin, and phosphatidyl glycerol

Question 6

may be secondarily associated
with fetal structural anomalies, cardiac arrhythmias, congenital infections, or chromosomal abnormalities

Answer 6

Polyhydramnios

Question 7

may be associated with congenital malformations, premature rupture of amniotic membranes, and umbilical cord compression, resulting in decelerated heart rate and fetal death.

Answer 7

Oligohydramnios

Question 8

biochemical markers for testing for neural tube defects when fetal urine production begins

Answer 8

Alpha-fetoprotein and acetylcholinesyerase

Question 9

Measurement of amniotic fluid ____ has been used to determine fetal age

Answer 9

creatinine

Question 10

Prior to 36 weeks’ gestation, the amniotic fluid creatinine level ranges between ____. It then rises ____, thereby providing a means of determining fetal age greater than 36 weeks

Answer 10

1.5 and 2.0 mg/dL
above 2.0 mg/dL