A nurse is caring for a primigravida who asks about the function of the placenta.The nurse responds correctly when explaining which of the following are functions of the placenta?
Cushions fetus from maternal movement.
Provides thermoregulation.
Metabolic and gas exchange.
Provides a sterile environment.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
The placenta does not cushion the fetus from maternal movement. Instead, the amniotic fluid within the amniotic sac provides cushioning and protection to the fetus from external forces and maternal movements.
Choice B rationale
The placenta does not provide thermoregulation. Thermoregulation is primarily managed by the mother’s body. The placenta’s main functions are related to nutrient and gas exchange, hormone production, and waste removal.
Choice C rationale
The placenta is responsible for metabolic and gas exchange. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus while removing waste products from the fetal blood. This exchange occurs through the placental barrier, which separates maternal and fetal blood.
Choice D rationale
The placenta does not provide a sterile environment. The amniotic sac and its fluid help maintain a sterile environment for the fetus. The placenta’s role is more focused on nutrient and gas exchange, hormone production, and waste removal.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The umbilical cord does not typically contain one artery and one vein. This configuration would not provide the necessary blood flow to support fetal development. The umbilical cord must have two arteries to carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta, and one vein to carry oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Two veins and one artery is also incorrect. The umbilical cord must have two arteries to ensure that deoxygenated blood and waste products are efficiently transported from the fetus to the placenta. Having only one artery would not suffice for the required blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Two arteries and one vein is the correct configuration of the umbilical cord. The two arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta, while the single vein carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus. This arrangement is essential for maintaining proper fetal circulation during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Two arteries and two veins is incorrect. The umbilical cord only needs one vein to carry oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus. Having two veins would be redundant and unnecessary for fetal development.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Oligohydramnios refers to a condition where there is too little amniotic fluid. An amniotic fluid volume of 1900 mL is above the normal range, indicating that oligohydramnios is not present.
Choice B rationale
Polyhydramnios is the condition of having too much amniotic fluid. The normal range for amniotic fluid volume at 34 weeks gestation is between 800 and 1000 mL. An estimated volume of 1900 mL indicates polyhydramnios, which can be associated with various maternal and fetal conditions.
Choice C rationale
A follow-up glucose test is not directly indicated by the finding of polyhydramnios. While polyhydramnios can be associated with gestational diabetes, the decision to perform a glucose test would depend on other clinical factors and the patient’s history.
Choice D rationale
An amniotic fluid volume of 1900 mL is above the normal range for 34 weeks gestation, so it is not considered normal for gestational age. This finding indicates polyhydramnios rather than a normal fluid level.