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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The ductus venosus, foramen ovale, and ductus arteriosus are shunts in fetal circulation that bypass the lungs and liver, directing oxygenated blood to the brain and body. The foramen ovale allows blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs. The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, allowing blood to bypass the lungs. The ductus venosus shunts blood from the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver.
Choice B rationale
This choice is incorrect because the primary purpose of these shunts is not to ensure proper development of the fetal heart. While they do play a role in directing blood flow, their main function is to bypass the non-functional fetal lungs and liver.
Choice C rationale
This choice is incorrect because the shunts are not primarily involved in regulating blood pressure in the fetus. Their main function is to direct oxygenated blood to vital organs like the brain and heart.
Choice D rationale
This choice is incorrect because the shunts bypass the lungs, which are not yet functional in the fetus. Gas exchange occurs in the placenta, not the fetal lungs.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can result in a smaller fundal height measurement than expected for gestational age. This condition indicates that the fetus is not growing at the normal rate inside the womb.
Choice B rationale
A fundal height measurement of 19 centimeters at 22 weeks of gestation is not consistent with the estimated gestational age by LMP. Typically, the fundal height in centimeters should be approximately equal to the number of weeks of gestation.
Choice C rationale
Fetal anomalies can affect the size and growth of the fetus, leading to discrepancies in fundal height measurements. This could result in a smaller or larger than expected measurement.
Choice D rationale
Polyhydramnios, or excessive amniotic fluid, would typically result in a larger fundal height measurement than expected for gestational age. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice E rationale
Miscalculation of the due date can lead to discrepancies in fundal height measurements. If the gestational age is miscalculated, the fundal height may not match the expected measurement for the given weeks of gestation.