Question 1

What should the nurse be able to tell parents when they have questions about multiple births?
A) Multiple births are increasing because of the use of fertility drugs.
B) Dizygotic twins ( two fertilized ova ) have the potential to be conjoined twins.
C) Identical twins are more common in White families.
D) Fraternal twins are same gender, usually male.

Accepted Answer

Multiple births and twinning are on the rise given the use of fertility drugs and delayed childbearing.Conjoined twins are monozygotic; they are from a single fertilized ovum in which division occurred very late.Identical twins show no racial or ethnic preference; fraternal twins are more common among Black women.Fraternal twins can be of different gender or the same gender.Identical twins are the same gender.

Question 2

The nurse caring for a pregnant patient knows that her health teaching regarding fetal circulation has been effective when the patient reports that she has been sleeping in which position?
A) In a side-lying position
B) On her back with a pillow under her knees
C) With the head of the bed elevated
D) On her abdomen

Accepted Answer

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,thereby enhancing blood flow to the fetus.However,it is now known that either side-lying position enhances uteroplacental blood flow.If a woman lies on her back with the pressure of the uterus compressing the vena cava,blood return to the right atrium will be diminished.Although this position is recommended and ideal for later in pregnancy,the woman must still maintain a lateral tilt to the pelvis to avoid compression of the vena cava.Many women will find this position uncomfortable as pregnancy advances.Side-lying is the ideal position to promote blood flow to the fetus.

Question 3

A maternity nurse should be aware of which fact about the amniotic fluid?
A) It serves as a source of oral fluid and a repository for waste from the fetus.
B) The volume remains about the same throughout the term of a healthy pregnancy.
C) A volume of less than 300 mL is associated with gastrointestinal malformations.
D) A volume of more than 2 L is associated with fetal renal abnormalities.

Accepted Answer

Amniotic fluid serves as a source of oral fluid and a repository for waste from the fetus,and it cushions the fetus and helps maintain a constant body temperature.The volume of amniotic fluid changes constantly.Too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios)is associated with renal abnormalities.Too much amniotic fluid (hydramnios)is associated with gastrointestinal and other abnormalities.

Question 4

Selina comes in for her first prenatal examination.This is her first child.She asks the nurse,"How does my baby get air inside my uterus?" What is the nurse's best response?
A) "The baby's 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 baby's abdomen."

Accepted Answer

The placenta functions by supplying oxygen and excreting carbon dioxide to the maternal bloodstream.The fetal lungs do not function for respiratory gas exchange in utero.The baby does not simply absorb oxygen from a woman's blood system.Blood and gas trAnswerport occur through the placenta.The placenta delivers oxygen-rich blood through the umbilical vein,not the artery.

Question 5

Which of the following is the most basic information a maternity nurse should know concerning conception?
A) Ova are considered fertile 48 to 72 hours after ovulation.
B) Sperm remain viable in the woman's 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.

Accepted Answer

After implantation,the endometrium is called the decidua.Ova are considered fertile for about 24 hours after ovulation.Sperm remain viable in the woman's 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 6

Which of the following should the nurse be aware of with regard to the development of the respiratory system?
A) The respiratory system does not begin developing until after the embryonic stage.
B) The infant's lungs are considered mature when the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio is 1:1, at about 32 weeks.
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.

Accepted Answer

A reduction in placental blood flow stresses the fetus,increases blood levels of corticosteroids,and thus accelerates lung maturity.Development of the respiratory system begins during the embryonic phase and continues into childhood.The infant's lungs are mature when the L/S ratio is 2:1,at about 35 weeks.Lung movements have been seen on ultrasound scAnswer at 11 weeks.

Question 7

With regard to the structure and function of the placenta,the maternity nurse should be aware of which of the following?
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.
D) Optimal blood circulation is achieved through the placenta when the woman is lying on her back or standing.

Accepted Answer

The placenta produces four hormones necessary to maintain the pregnancy.The placenta widens until week 20 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 8

The measurement of lecithin in relation to sphingomyelin (L/S ratio)is used to determine fetal lung maturity.Which ratio reflects maturity of the lungs?
A) 1.4:1
B) 1.8:1
C) 2:1
D) 1:1

Accepted Answer

A ratio of 2:1 indicates a two-to-one ratio of L/S,an indicator of lung maturity.Ratios of 1.4:1,1.8:1,and 1:1 indicate immaturity of the fetal lungs.

Question 9

At what age is the embryo or fetus less susceptible to teratogens?
A) 4 weeks
B) 6 weeks
C) 8 weeks
D) 10 weeks

Accepted Answer

The fetus is less susceptible to teratogens than the embryo.The embryo at 4 weeks is more susceptible than the fetus at 10 weeks.The embryo at 6 weeks is more susceptible than the fetus at 10 weeks.The embryo at 8 weeks is more susceptible than the fetus at 10 weeks.

Quiz 8: Preconception, genetics, conception, and Fetal Development

What should the nurse be able to tell parents when they have questions about multiple births?

The nurse caring for a pregnant patient knows that her health teaching regarding fetal circulation has been effective when the patient reports that she has been sleeping in which position?

A maternity nurse should be aware of which fact about the amniotic fluid?

Selina comes in for her first prenatal examination.This is her first child.She asks the nurse,"How does my baby get air inside my uterus?" What is the nurse's best response?

Which of the following is the most basic information a maternity nurse should know concerning conception?

Which of the following should the nurse be aware of with regard to the development of the respiratory system?

With regard to the structure and function of the placenta,the maternity nurse should be aware of which of the following?

The measurement of lecithin in relation to sphingomyelin (L/S ratio) is used to determine fetal lung maturity.Which ratio reflects maturity of the lungs?

At what age is the embryo or fetus less susceptible to teratogens?