Exam 1 - Chapter 12

Question 1

A newly married couple plans to use the natural family planning method of
contraception. Understanding how long an ovum can live after ovulation is important to them.
The nurse knows that his or her teaching was effective when the couple responds that an ovum is
considered fertile for which period of time?
a. 6 to 8 hours
b. 24 hours
c. 2 to 3 days
d. 1 week

Answer 1

B - Most ova remain fertile for approximately 24 hours after ovulation, much longer than 6 to 8
hours. However, ova do not remain fertile for 2 to 3 days or are viable for 1 week. If unfertilized
by a sperm after 24 hours, the ovum degenerates and is reabsorbed.

Question 2

What kind of fetal anomalies are most often associated with oligohydramnios?

a. Renal
b. Cardiac
c. Gastrointestinal
d. Neurologic

Answer 2

A - An amniotic fluid volume of less than 300 ml (oligohydramnios) is often associated with fetal
renal anomalies. The amniotic fluid volume has no bearing on the fetal cardiovascular system.
Gastrointestinal anomalies are associated with hydramnios or an amniotic fluid volume greater
than 2 L. The amniotic fluid volume has no bearing on the fetal neurologic system.

Question 3

A pregnant woman at 25 weeks of gestation tells the nurse that she dropped a pan last
week and her baby jumped at the noise. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
a. That must have been a coincidence; babies cant respond like that.
b. The fetus is demonstrating the aural reflex.
c. Babies respond to sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of gestation.
d. Let me know if it happens again; we need to report that to your midwife

Answer 3

C - Babies respond to external sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of gestation. Acoustic
stimulations can evoke a fetal heart rate response. There is no such thing as an aural reflex. The
last statement is inappropriate and may cause undue psychologic alarm to the client.

Question 4

At a routine prenatal visit, the nurse explains the development of the fetus to her client.
At approximately weeks of gestation, lecithin is forming on the alveolar surfaces, the eyelids
open, and the fetus measures approximately 27 cm crown to rump and weighs approximately
1110 g. The client is how many weeks of gestation at todays visit?
a. 20
b. 24
c. 28
d. 30

Answer 4

C - These milestones in human development occur at 28 weeks of gestation. These milestones have
not occurred by 20 or 24 weeks of gestation but have been reached before 30 weeks of gestation.

Question 5

Which statement regarding the structure and function of the placenta is correct?

a. Produces nutrients for fetal nutrition
b. Secretes both estrogen and progesterone
c. Forms a protective, impenetrable barrier to microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses
d. Excretes prolactin and insulin

Answer 5

B - As one of its early functions, the placenta acts as an endocrine gland, producing four hormones
necessary to maintain the pregnancy and to support the embryo or fetus: human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogen, and progesterone. The placenta
does not produce nutrients. It functions as a means of metabolic exchange between the maternal
and fetal blood supplies. Many bacteria and viruses can cross the placental membrane.

Question 6

A woman in labor passes some thick meconium as her amniotic fluid ruptures. The client
asks the nurse where the baby makes the meconium. What is the correct response by the nurse?
a. Fetal intestines
b. Fetal kidneys
c. Amniotic fluid
d. Placenta

Answer 6

A - As the fetus nears term, fetal waste products accumulate in the intestines as dark green-to-black,
tarry meconium. Meconium is not produced by the fetal kidneys nor should it be present in the
amniotic fluid, which may be an indication of fetal compromise. The placenta does not produce
meconium

Question 7

A woman asks the nurse, What protects my babys umbilical cord from being squashed
while the babys inside of me? What is the nurses best response?
a. Your babys umbilical cord is surrounded by connective tissue called Whartons jelly,
which prevents compression of the blood vessels.
b. Your babys umbilical cord floats around in blood and amniotic fluid.
c. You dont need to be worrying about things like that.
d. The umbilical cord is a group of blood vessels that are very well protected by the
placenta.

Answer 7

A - Explaining the structure and function of the umbilical cord is the most appropriate response.
Connective tissue called Whartons jelly surrounds the umbilical cord, prevents compression of
the blood vessels, and ensures continued nourishment of the embryo or fetus. The umbilical cord
does not float around in blood or fluid. Telling the client not to worry negates her need for
information and discounts her feelings. The placenta does not protect the umbilical cord.

Question 8

Which structure is responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport to and from the 
maternal bloodstream?
a. Decidua basalis
b. Blastocyst
c. Germ layer
d. Chorionic villi

Answer 8

D - Chorionic villi are fingerlike projections that develop out of the trophoblast and extend into the
blood-filled spaces of the endometrium. The villi obtain oxygen and nutrients from the maternal
bloodstream and dispose carbon dioxide and waste products into the maternal blood. The decidua
basalis is the portion of the decidua (endometrium) under the blastocyst where the villi attach.
The blastocyst is the embryonic development stage after the morula; implantation occurs at this
stage. The germ layer is a layer of the blastocyst.

Question 9

A woman who is 8 months pregnant asks the nurse, Does my baby have any antibodies to
fight infection? What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
a. Your baby has all the immunoglobulins necessary: immunoglobulin G (IgG),
immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin A (IgA).
b. Your baby wont receive any antibodies until he is born and you breastfeed him.
c. Your baby does not have any antibodies to fight infection.
d. Your baby has IgG and IgM

Answer 9

D - During the third trimester, IgG is the only immunoglobulin that crosses the placenta; it provides
passive acquired immunity to specific bacterial toxins. However, the fetus produces IgM by the
end of the first trimester. IgA immunoglobulins are not produced by the baby. Therefore, by the
third trimester, the fetus has both IgG and IgM. Breastfeeding supplies the newborn infant with
IgA

Question 10

The measurement of lecithin in relation to sphingomyelin (lecithin/sphingomyelin [L/S]

ratio) is used to determine fetal lung maturity. Which ratio reflects fetal maturity of the lungs?
a. 1.4:1
b. 1.8:1
c. 2:1
d. 1:1

Answer 10

C - The L/S ratio indicates a 2:1 ratio of lecithin to sphingomyelin, which is an indicator of fetal lung
maturity and occurs at approximately the middle of the third trimester. L/S ratios of 1.4:1, 1.8:1,
and 1:1 each indicate immaturity of the fetal lungs.

Question 11

A client arrives for her initial prenatal examination. This is her first child. She asks the
nurse, How does my baby get air inside my uterus? What is the correct response by the nurse?
a. The babys lungs work in utero to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
b. The baby absorbs oxygen from your blood system.
c. The placenta provides oxygen to the baby and excretes carbon dioxide into your
bloodstream.
d. The placenta delivers oxygen-rich blood through the umbilical artery to the babys
abdomen.

Answer 11

C - The placenta delivers oxygen-rich blood through the umbilical vein, not the artery, to the fetus
and excretes carbon dioxide into the maternal bloodstream. The fetal lungs do not function as
respiratory gas exchange in utero. The baby does not simply absorb oxygen from a womans
blood system; rather, blood and gas transport occur through the placenta.

Question 12

What is the most basic information that a nurse should be able to share with a client who
asks about the process of conception?
a. Ova are considered fertile 48 to 72 hours after ovulation.
b. Sperm remain viable in the womans reproductive system for an average of 12 to 24
hours.
c. Conception is achieved when a sperm successfully penetrates the membrane surrounding
the ovum.
d. Implantation in the endometrium occurs 6 to 10 days after conception.

Answer 12

D - After implantation, the endometrium is called the decidua. Ova are considered fertile for
approximately 24 hours after ovulation. Sperm remain viable in the womans reproductive system
for an average of 2 to 3 days. Penetration of the ovum by the sperm is called fertilization.
Conception occurs when the zygote, the first cell of the new individual, is formed.

Question 13

The maternity nurse is cognizant of what important structure and function of the
placenta?
a. As the placenta widens, it gradually thins to allow easier passage of air and nutrients.
b. As one of its early functions, the placenta acts as an endocrine gland.
c. The placenta is able to keep out most potentially toxic substances, such as cigarette
smoke, to which the mother is exposed.
d. Optimal blood circulation is achieved through the placenta when the woman is lying on
her back or standing.

Answer 13

B - The placenta produces four hormones necessary to maintain the pregnancy: hCG, hPL, estrogen,
and progesterone. The placenta widens until 20 weeks of gestation and continues to grow thicker.
Toxic substances such as nicotine and carbon monoxide readily cross the placenta into the fetus.
Optimal circulation occurs when the woman is lying on her side

Question 14

Which statement regarding the development of the respiratory system is a high priority
for the nurse to understand?
a. The respiratory system does not begin developing until after the embryonic stage.
b. The infants lungs are considered mature when the L/S ratio is 1:1, at approximately 32
weeks of gestation.
c. Maternal hypertension can reduce maternal-placental blood flow, accelerating lung
maturity.
d. Fetal respiratory movements are not visible on ultrasound scans until at least 16 weeks of
gestation.

Answer 14

C - A reduction in placental blood flow stresses the fetus, increases blood levels of corticosteroids,
and thus accelerates lung maturity. The development of the respiratory system begins during the
embryonic phase and continues into childhood. The infants lungs are considered mature when
the L/S ratio is 2:1, at approximately 35 weeks of gestation. Lung movements have been
visualized on ultrasound scans at 11 weeks of gestation.

Question 15

The various systems and organs of the fetus develop at different stages. Which statement
is
most accurate?
a. Cardiovascular system is the first organ system to function in the developing human.
b. Hematopoiesis originating in the yolk sac begins in the liver at 10 weeks of gestation.
c. Body changes from straight to C-shape occurs at 8 weeks of gestation.
d. Gastrointestinal system is mature at 32 weeks of gestation.

Answer 15

A - The heart is developmentally complete by the end of the embryonic stage. Hematopoiesis begins
in the liver during the sixth week. The body becomes C-shaped at 21 weeks of gestation. The
gastrointestinal system is complete at 36 weeks of gestation

Question 16

Which statement concerning neurologic and sensory development in the fetus is correct?
a. Brain waves have been recorded on an electroencephalogram as early as the end of the
first trimester (12 weeks of gestation).
b. Fetuses respond to sound by 24 weeks of gestation and can be soothed by the sound of
the mothers voice.
c. Eyes are first receptive to light at 34 to 36 weeks of gestation.
d. At term, the fetal brain is at least one third the size of an adult brain.

Answer 16

B - Hearing develops early and is fully developed at birth.

Question 17

A womans cousin gave birth to an infant with a congenital heart anomaly. The woman
asks the nurse when such anomalies occur during development. Which response by the nurse is
most accurate?
a. We dont really know when such defects occur.
b. It depends on what caused the defect.
c. Defects occur between the third and fifth weeks of development.
d. They usually occur in the first 2 weeks of development.

Answer 17

C - The cardiovascular system is the first organ system to function in the developing human. Blood
vessel and blood formation begins in the third week, and the heart is developmentally complete
in the fifth week. We dont really know when such defects occur is an inaccurate statement.
Regardless of the cause, the heart is vulnerable during its period of developmentin the third to
fifth weeks; therefore, the statement, They usually occur in the first 2 weeks of development is
inaccurate

Question 18

Which information regarding amniotic fluid is important for the nurse to understand?
a. Amniotic fluid serves as a source of oral fluid and a repository for waste from the fetus.
b. Volume of the amniotic fluid remains approximately the same throughout the term of a
healthy pregnancy.
c. The study of fetal cells in amniotic fluid yields little information.
d. A volume of more than 2 L of amniotic fluid is associated with fetal renal abnormalities.

Answer 18

A - Amniotic fluid serves as a source of oral fluid, serves as a repository for waste from the fetus,
cushions the fetus, and helps maintain a constant body temperature. The volume of amniotic
fluid constantly changes. The study of amniotic fluid yields information regarding the sex of the
fetus and the number of chromosomes. Too much amniotic fluid (hydramnios) is associated with
gastrointestinal and other abnormalities

Question 19

An expectant couple attending childbirth classes have questions regarding multiple births
since twins run in the family. What information regarding multiple births is important for the
nurse to share?
a. Twinning and other multiple births are increasing because of the use of fertility drugs and
delayed childbearing.
b. Dizygotic twins (two fertilized ova) have the potential to be conjoined twins.
c. Identical twins are more common in Caucasian families.
d. Fraternal twins are the same gender, usually male.

Answer 19

A - If the parents-to-be are older and have taken fertility drugs, then they would be very interested to
know about twinning and other multiple births. Conjoined twins are monozygotic; that is, they
are from a single fertilized ovum in which division occurred very late. Identical twins show no
racial or ethnic preference,

Question 20

The nurse caring for a pregnant client is evaluating his or her health teaching regarding
fetal circulation. Which statement from the client reassures the nurse that his or her teaching has
been effective?
a. Optimal fetal circulation is achieved when I am in the side-lying position.
b. Optimal fetal circulation is achieved when I am on my back with a pillow under my
knees.
c. Optimal fetal circulation is achieved when the head of the bed is elevated.
d. Optimal fetal circulation is achieved when I am on my abdomen.

Answer 20

A - Optimal circulation is achieved when the woman is lying at rest on her side. Decreased uterine
circulation may lead to intrauterine growth restriction. Previously, it was believed that the left
lateral position promoted maternal cardiac output, enhancing blood flow to the fetus. However, it
is now known that the side-lying position enhances uteroplacental blood flow. If a woman lies on
her back with the pressure of the uterus compressing the vena cava, then blood return to the right
atrium is diminished. Although having the head of the bed elevated is recommended and ideal
for later in pregnancy, the woman still must maintain a lateral tilt to the pelvis to avoid
compressing the vena cava. Many women find lying on their abdomen uncomfortable as
pregnancy advances. Side-lying is the ideal position to promote blood flow to the fetus.

Question 21

Some of the embryos intestines remain within the umbilical cord during the embryonic

period. What is the rationale for this development of the gastrointestinal system?
a. Umbilical cord is much larger at this time than it will be at the end of pregnancy.
b. Intestines begin their development within the umbilical cord.
c. Nutrient content of the blood is higher in this location.
d. Abdomen is too small to contain all the organs while they are developing.

Answer 21

D - The abdominal contents grow more rapidly than the abdominal cavity; therefore, part of their
development takes place in the umbilical cord. By 10 weeks of gestation, the abdomen is large
enough to contain them. Intestines begin their development within the umbilical cord but only
because the liver and kidneys occupy most of the abdominal cavity. Blood supply is adequate in
all areas.

Question 22

A woman is 15 weeks pregnant with her first baby. She asks how long it will be before
she feels the baby move. What is the nurses best answer?
a. You should have felt the baby move by now.
b. Within the next month, you should start to feel fluttering sensations.
c. The baby is moving; however, you cant feel it yet.
d. Some babies are quiet, and you dont feel them move.

Answer 22

B - Maternal perception of fetal movement usually begins 16 to 20 weeks after conception. Because
this is her first pregnancy, movement is felt toward the later part of the 16- to 20-week time
period. Stating, you should have felt the baby move by now is incorrect and may be an alarming
statement to the client. Fetal movement should be felt by 16 to 20 weeks. If movement is not felt
by the end of that time, then further assessment is necessary.

Question 23

A new mother asks the nurse about the white substance covering her infant. How should
the nurse explain the purpose of vernix caseosa?
a. Vernix caseosa protects the fetal skin from the amniotic fluid.
b. Vernix caseosa promotes the normal development of the peripheral nervous system.
c. Vernix caseosa allows the transport of oxygen and nutrients across the amnion.
d. Vernix caseosa regulates fetal temperature.

Answer 23

A - Prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid during the fetal period could result in the breakdown of
the skin without the protection of the vernix caseosa. Normal development of the peripheral
nervous system was dependent on nutritional intake of the mother. The amnion was the inner
membrane that surrounded the fetus and was not involved in the oxygen and nutrient exchange.
The amniotic fluid helped maintain fetal temperature.

Question 24

A woman who is 16 weeks pregnant asks the nurse, Is it possible to tell by ultrasound if
the baby is a boy or girl yet? What is the best answer?
a. A babys sex is determined as soon as conception occurs.
b. The baby has developed enough to enable us to determine the sex by examining the
genitals through an ultrasound scan.
c. Boys and girls look alike until approximately 20 weeks after conception, and then they
begin to look different.
d. It might be possible to determine your babys sex, but the external organs look very
similar right now.

Answer 24

B - Although gender is determined at conception, the external genitalia of males and females look
similar through the ninth week. By the twelfth week, the external genitalia are distinguishable as
male or female.

Question 25

Which development related to the integumentary system is correct?

a. Very fine hairs called lanugo appear at 12 weeks of gestation.
b. Eyelashes, eyebrows, and scalp hair appear at 28 weeks of gestation.
c. Fingernails and toenails develop at 28 weeks of gestation.
d. By 32 weeks, scalp hair becomes apparent

Answer 25

A - Very fine hairs, called lanugo appear first at 12 weeks of gestational age on the fetus eyebrows
and upper lip. By 20 weeks of gestation, lanugo covers the entire body. By 20 weeks of gestation
the eyelashes, eyebrows, and scalp hair also begin to grow. By 28 weeks of gestation, the scalp
hair is longer than these fine hairs, which is thin and may disappear by term. Fingernails and
toenails develop from thickened epidermis, beginning during the 10th week. Fingernails reach
the fingertips at 32 weeks of gestation, and the toenails reach the toe tips at 36 weeks of
gestation.

Question 26

The pancreas forms in the foregut during the 5th to 8th week of gestation. A client with
poorly controlled gestational diabetes asks the nurse what the effects of her condition will be on
the fetus. What is the best response by the nurse? Poorly controlled maternal gestational diabetes
will:
a. produce fetal hypoglycemia.
b. result in a macrocosmic fetus.
c. result in a microcosmic fetus.
d. enhance lung maturation.

Answer 26

B - Insulin is produced by week 20 of gestation. In the fetus of a mother with uncontrolled diabetes,
maternal hypoglycemia produces fetal hypoglycemia and macrocosmia results.
Hyperinsulinemia blocks lung maturation, placing the neonate at risk for respiratory distress.

Question 27

`Congenital disorders refer to those conditions that are present at birth. These disorders
may be inherited and caused by environmental factors or maternal malnutrition. Toxic exposures
have the greatest effect on development between 15 and 60 days of gestation. For the nurse to be
able to conduct a complete assessment of the newly pregnant client, he or she should be
knowledgeable regarding known human teratogens. Which substances might be considered a
teratogen? (Select all that apply.
a. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
b. Ionizing radiation
c. Hypothermia
d. Carbamazepine
e. Lead

Answer 27

A,B,D,E - Exposure to radiation and a number of infections may result in profound congenital deformities.
These include but are not limited to varicella, rubella, syphilis, parvovirus, CMV, and
toxoplasmosis. Certain maternal conditions such as diabetes and phenylketonuria (PKU) may
also affect organs and other parts of the embryo during this developmental period. Drugs such as
antiseizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine) and some antibiotics, as well as chemicals
including lead, mercury, tobacco, and alcohol, may also result in structural and functional
abnormalities

Question 28

Relating to the fetal circulatory system, which special characteristics allow the fetus to
obtain sufficient oxygen from the maternal blood? (Select all that apply.)
a. Fetal hemoglobin (Hb) carries 20% to 30% more oxygen than maternal Hb.
b. Fetal Hb carries 40% to 50% more oxygen than maternal Hb.
c. Hb concentration is 50% higher than that of the mother.
d. Fetal heart rate is 110 to 160 beats per minute.
e. Fetal heart rate is 160 to 200 beats per minute

Answer 28

A,C,D -