Which physical characteristics decrease as the fetus nears term? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Vernix caseosa
- B. Lanugo
- C. Port wine stain
- D. Brown fat
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vernix caseosa is a protective, waxy substance on the fetus' skin that decreases as the fetus nears term due to absorption into the skin. Lanugo, fine hair that covers the fetus, persists until birth. Port wine stain, a birthmark, and brown fat, a specialized fat for newborns' warmth, do not decrease as the fetus nears term.
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A new mother asks the nurse about the 'white substance' covering her infant. The nurse explains that the purpose of vernix caseosa is to:
- A. Protect the fetal skin from amniotic fluid.
- B. Promote normal peripheral nervous system development.
- C. Allow transport of oxygen and nutrients across the amnion.
- D. Regulate fetal temperature.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vernix caseosa protects the fetal skin from prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid.
Genomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that involves using genomic information about an individual as part of the individual’s clinical care. Which example does the nurse associate with genomic medicine?
- A. Screening of neonates for inherited, treatable genetic diseases
- B. Creating drugs specifically for the treatment of cancer
- C. Conducting trial studies to determine how drugs effect individuals
- D. Tracing and gaining knowledge about how genetic mutations occur
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
A is correct as genomic medicine involves using genetic information for clinical care, such as screening neonates for genetic diseases. This helps in early detection and treatment. B is incorrect as drug development is not the main focus of genomic medicine. C is incorrect as trial studies focus on drug effects, not genetic information. D is incorrect as tracing genetic mutations is related to genetics research, not clinical care in genomic medicine.
What is the purpose of maternal assays and multiple marker screenings performed in the first trimester of pregnancy?
- A. to determine the gender of the fetus
- B. to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus
- C. to monitor the growth and development of the placenta
- D. to detect any potential maternal infections
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Maternal assays and multiple marker screenings in the first trimester are used to evaluate the risk of conditions like Down syndrome. These tests measure levels of certain proteins and hormones in the mother's blood to assess the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because determining the gender of the fetus, monitoring placental growth, and detecting maternal infections are not the primary purposes of these screenings in the first trimester.
The nurse receives a phone call from a pregnant person at 36 weeks’ gestation stating they have noticed some thin pink lines on the lower abdomen and wants to know if this is normal. The nurse recognizes the pregnant person is asking about what skin condition?
- A. linea nigra
- B. striae gravidarum
- C. palmar erythema
- D. pruritis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: striae gravidarum. This skin condition consists of thin pink lines on the lower abdomen, commonly known as stretch marks, and is common during pregnancy due to rapid stretching of the skin. Linea nigra (A) is a dark line that appears vertically on the abdomen, palmar erythema (C) is redness on the palms, and pruritis (D) is itching which are not relevant to the description given.
At which point in the pregnancy are alveoli formed and fetal breathing movements noted?
- A. 12 weeks
- B. 6 weeks
- C. 20 weeks
- D. 24 weeks
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (24 weeks) because alveoli formation and fetal breathing movements are typically observed during the late second trimester, around 24 weeks. At this stage, the lungs have developed sufficiently to support breathing outside the womb. Choices A (12 weeks), B (6 weeks), and C (20 weeks) are incorrect because alveoli formation and breathing movements do not occur as early as these time points in the pregnancy. Fetal breathing movements are a crucial sign of lung maturation and readiness for extrauterine life, which is why the correct answer is 24 weeks.