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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Sally comes in for her first prenatal examination. This is her first child. She asks you (the nurse), 'How does my baby get air inside my uterus?' The correct response is:
- 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.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The placenta functions by supplying oxygen and excreting carbon dioxide to the maternal bloodstream.
What is the hormone responsible for the maintenance of the endometrium during pregnancy and the maturation of mammary gland tissue?
- A. Estrogen
- B. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- C. Prolactin
- D. Progesterone
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Progesterone. Progesterone is essential for maintaining the endometrium during pregnancy by promoting its growth and preventing contractions. It also plays a crucial role in preparing the mammary glands for lactation. Estrogen (A) is important in the menstrual cycle but not specifically for maintaining the endometrium during pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (B) is produced by the placenta and is primarily involved in supporting pregnancy and detecting pregnancy tests. Prolactin (C) is responsible for milk production but is not directly related to the maintenance of the endometrium or mammary gland tissue during pregnancy.
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.
The nurse works in a urologist’s office. A male patient is scheduled for routine fertility testing. For which test does the nurse refrain from making preparation?
- A. STI screening
- B. Hormonal levels
- C. Sexual functioning
- D. Ejaculate analysis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sexual functioning. The nurse should refrain from making preparation for sexual functioning testing because this is not typically part of routine fertility testing. The focus of routine fertility testing for a male patient in a urologist's office would be on assessing sperm health and quality, which includes tests like semen analysis (choice D). STI screening (choice A) may be necessary to rule out any infections that could affect fertility, and hormonal levels (choice B) are important to assess the endocrine system's role in fertility. However, sexual functioning testing is not directly related to assessing fertility issues in this context.
What are functions of the placenta?
- A. Produces the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin.
- B. None
- C. Feeds the foetus.
- D. None
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The placenta produces hormones and stores nutrients for fetal use.