Question 1

The nurse knows that teaching about the natural family planning method of contraception 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

Accepted Answer

An ovum is considered fertile for approximately 24 hours after ovulation.

Question 2

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 baby's 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 baby's sex,but the external organs look very similar right now."

Accepted Answer

By 16 weeks, the external genitalia of the fetus are usually developed enough to be visualized on an ultrasound, allowing healthcare providers to determine the sex of the baby with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Question 3

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 infant's 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.

Accepted Answer

Maternal hypertension can indeed reduce maternal-placental blood flow, which in turn can accelerate lung maturity in the fetus. This is because reduced blood flow can lead to a state of fetal stress, triggering the release of hormones that promote lung maturation.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The placenta secretes both estrogen and progesterone to support fetal development. It also facilitates the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the mother and fetus, but it is not an impenetrable barrier to microorganisms. Additionally, it does not excrete prolactin or insulin.

Question 5

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 mother's 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.

Accepted Answer

By 24 weeks of gestation, fetuses have developed enough to respond to sound and can recognize the mother's voice as soothing. Brain waves are recorded on an electroencephalogram around 24 to 28 weeks, not at the end of the first trimester. Eyes are first receptive to light at around 20 to 22 weeks, not 34 to 36 weeks. At term, the fetal brain is only about one quarter the size of an adult brain, not one third.

Question 6

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 won't 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."

Accepted Answer

The fetus receives IgG antibodies from the mother through the placenta, providing passive immunity. IgM is produced by the fetus itself.

Question 7

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.

Accepted Answer

Poorly controlled maternal gestational diabetes can result in a macrosomic (large) fetus due to increased fetal insulin production in response to high maternal glucose levels. Fetal hypoglycemia may occur if the baby continues to produce high levels of insulin after birth, but it is not a direct effect of poorly controlled gestational diabetes during pregnancy. A microcosmic (small) fetus and enhanced lung maturation are not typically associated with poorly controlled gestational diabetes.

Question 8

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.

Accepted Answer

Vernix caseosa protects the fetal skin from the amniotic fluid.

Question 9

The nurse caring for a pregnant client is evaluating health teaching regarding fetal circulation.Which statement from the client reassures the nurse that the 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."

Accepted Answer

The side-lying position is recommended for optimal fetal circulation as it allows for the best blood flow to the placenta. The other positions listed may cause compression of blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the fetus.

Question 10

A woman's 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 don't 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."

Accepted Answer

Congenital heart anomalies typically occur between the third and fifth weeks of fetal development, during the critical period of heart formation. This is when the heart is developing its basic shape and structure, and any disruptions during this time can lead to structural defects. Choices A and D are incorrect because we do know when such defects occur and they do not occur in the first 2 weeks of development. Choice B is partially correct in that some causes of congenital heart defects (such as genetic mutations or exposure to certain medications or infections) can result in defects at different stages of development, but the critical period for heart formation is still the third to fifth week.

Question 11

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.

Accepted Answer

The cardiovascular system is indeed the first organ system to reach a functional state in the developing embryo, beginning to work at about the 3rd week of gestation. This early functionality is crucial for the growing embryo as it ensures the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of waste products.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 2:1 or greater generally indicates fetal lung maturity. This ratio increases as the fetal lungs mature, with lecithin (a surfactant) increasing in amount relative to sphingomyelin.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Chorionic villi are finger-like projections from the chorion that extend into the maternal blood supply in the uterus, and are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the maternal and fetal bloodstreams.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Meconium is the earliest stool of a newborn and is composed of amniotic fluid, mucus, bile, and shed intestinal cells. It is produced in the fetal intestines and accumulates in the bowel during gestation. If a baby passes meconium before or during birth, it can be a sign of fetal distress and may require medical intervention.

Question 15

Relating to the fetal circulatory system,which special characteristics allow the fetus to obtain enough 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.

Accepted Answer

Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen, allowing it to carry more oxygen than maternal hemoglobin. The fetal hemoglobin concentration is higher, enhancing oxygen transport. The fetal heart rate is faster, which helps circulate blood more efficiently.

Question 16

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 can't 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."

Accepted Answer

This is the most accurate response as it reflects current knowledge that fetuses can respond to external stimuli such as sound starting around 24 weeks of gestation. Option A is incorrect as babies can react to stimuli like sound, touch or light during pregnancy. Option B is incorrect as there is no mention of the aural reflex in the scenario, and option D is not necessary as this is a normal response and does not need to be reported.

Question 17

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 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 provides oxygen to the baby and excretes carbon dioxide into the mother's bloodstream through the umbilical cord. The baby's lungs are not fully functional until after birth. Option A is not entirely correct, as the baby's lungs do not function normally in utero. Option B is incorrect because the baby does not directly absorb oxygen from the mother's blood system. Option D is partially correct but technically incorrect, as the umbilical artery carries oxygen-poor blood from the fetus to the placenta.

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.

Accepted Answer

Amniotic fluid serves as a source of oral fluid for the fetus and a repository for fetal waste, playing a crucial role in fetal development and health.

Question 19

What kind of fetal anomalies are most often associated with oligohydramnios?
A) Renal
B) Cardiac
C) Gastrointestinal
D) Neurologic

Accepted Answer

Oligohydramnios is a decrease in the amniotic fluid volume, which can occur due to several reasons such as renal abnormalities, placental insufficiency, ruptured membranes, or fetal abnormalities. Renal abnormalities are the most common cause of oligohydramnios, and it can result in Potter sequence or syndrome, which is characterized by pulmonary hypoplasia, deformities of the head and face, limb abnormalities, and reduced amniotic fluid volume. Therefore, fetal anomalies most often associated with oligohydramnios are renal anomalies.

Question 20

A woman asks the nurse,"What protects my baby's umbilical cord from being squashed while the baby's inside of me?" What is the nurse's best response?
A) "Your baby's umbilical cord is surrounded by connective tissue called Wharton's jelly,which prevents compression of the blood vessels."
B) "Your baby's umbilical cord floats around in blood and amniotic fluid."
C) "You don't 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."

Accepted Answer

The nurse's best response would be A because Wharton's jelly is the connective tissue that surrounds and protects the blood vessels in the umbilical cord from being compressed or squashed while the baby is inside the mother's uterus. This explanation is accurate and provides the mother with the information she needs to understand how her baby's umbilical cord is protected.

Quiz 12: Conception and Fetal Development

The nurse knows that teaching about the natural family planning method of contraception was effective when the couple responds that an ovum is considered fertile for which period of time?

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?

Which statement regarding the development of the respiratory system is a high priority for the nurse to understand?

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

Which statement concerning neurologic and sensory development in the fetus is correct?

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?

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 new mother asks the nurse about the "white substance" covering her infant.How should the nurse explain the purpose of vernix caseosa?

The nurse caring for a pregnant client is evaluating health teaching regarding fetal circulation.Which statement from the client reassures the nurse that the teaching has been effective?

A woman's 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?

The various systems and organs of the fetus develop at different stages.Which statement is most accurate?

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?

Which structure is responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport to and from the maternal bloodstream?

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?

Relating to the fetal circulatory system,which special characteristics allow the fetus to obtain enough oxygen from the maternal blood? (Select all that apply. )

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 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?

Which information regarding amniotic fluid is important for the nurse to understand?

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

A woman asks the nurse,"What protects my baby's umbilical cord from being squashed while the baby's inside of me?" What is the nurse's best response?