A nurse is discussing fetal circulation with a group of nursing students.The ductus venosus, foramen ovale, and ductus arteriosus are key factors in fetal circulation.Which of the following explains the purpose of these shunts in fetal circulation?
To bypass the lungs and direct oxygenated blood to the brain and body.
To ensure proper development of the fetal heart.
To regulate blood pressure in the fetus.
To facilitate gas exchange in the lungs.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A blood transfusion just after delivery is not a standard intervention for a client with Rh-negative blood type. The primary concern for Rh-negative clients is the potential for Rh incompatibility with the fetus, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition is prevented by administering RhO(D) immune globulin during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) testing is used to screen for certain fetal abnormalities, such as neural tube defects, but it is not specifically related to Rh incompatibility. The primary intervention for Rh-negative clients is the administration of RhO(D) immune globulin to prevent sensitization.
Choice C rationale
RhO(D) immune globulin is administered at around 28 weeks of gestation to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative clients. This intervention is crucial for preventing the development of antibodies that could harm the fetus in current or future pregnancies.
Choice D rationale
A three-hour glucose tolerance test is used to screen for gestational diabetes, which is a separate concern from Rh incompatibility. The primary intervention for Rh-negative clients is the administration of RhO(D) immune globulin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Heartburn and nausea are common symptoms during pregnancy and are not typically considered warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale
Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, is a normal sign of pregnancy and does not indicate a complication that needs immediate reporting.
Choice C rationale
Abdominal cramping can be a sign of a serious condition such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, and it is important for the client to report this symptom immediately.
Choice D rationale
Urinary frequency is a common symptom during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the bladder. It is not typically a warning sign that requires immediate medical attention.