With regard to the development of the respiratory system, maternity nurses should understand that:
- A. The respiratory system does not begin developing until after the embryonic stage.
- B. The infant's lungs are considered mature when the lecithin/sphingomyelin [L/S] ratio is 1:1, at about 32 weeks.
- C. Maternal hypertension can reduce maternal-placental blood flow, accelerating lung maturity.
- D. Fetal respiratory movements are not visible on ultrasound scans until at least 16 weeks.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A reduction in placental blood flow stresses the fetus, increases blood levels of corticosteroids, and accelerates lung maturity.
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A woman who is assessing fetal movements each day should notify her health care provider if:
- A. More than six movements are felt during a 30- to 60-minute period.
- B. Fetal movements are fewer than the minimum set by the provider.
- C. The movement pattern remains about the same from day to day.
- D. Fetal movements are more frequent during the evening than in the morning.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Decreased fetal movement may indicate a potential issue and requires further evaluation.
What are functions of the amniotic fluid? (Select one that doesn't apply.)
- A. Prevents congenital amputations and amniotic bands.
- B. Enables fetal musculoskeletal development.
- C. Protects the fetus from maternal infections.
- D. Maintains fetal hydration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Amniotic fluid supports fetal development but does not protect against maternal infections.
What routine lab tests should a pregnant person have in the first trimester? Select all that apply.
- A. complete blood count (CBC)
- B. blood type and Rh factor
- C. urinalysis
- D. thyroid function tests
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: thyroid function tests. During pregnancy, thyroid function is crucial for the health of the mother and baby. Thyroid disorders can lead to complications. Testing thyroid function in the first trimester helps detect any abnormalities early.
A, B, and C are commonly performed tests in pregnancy, but they are not specific to the first trimester. A CBC helps assess overall health, blood type and Rh factor are important for identifying potential blood type incompatibilities, and urinalysis can indicate urinary tract infections or other issues. However, these tests are not unique to the first trimester and are typically done throughout pregnancy.
A woman's cousin gave birth to an infant with a congenital heart anomaly. The woman asks the nurse when such anomalies occur during development. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. We don't really know when such defects occur.
- B. It depends on what caused the defect.
- C. They occur between the third and fifth weeks of development.
- D. They usually occur in the first 2 weeks of development.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The cardiovascular system is the first organ system to function in the developing human. Blood vessel and blood formation begins in the third week, and the heart is developmentally complete in the fifth week.
What patient may need laparoscopic surgery?
- A. a patient with low antral follicle count
- B. a patient with an elevated prolactin level
- C. a patient with patent fallopian tubes on hysterosalpingogram
- D. a patient with suspected endometriosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because laparoscopic surgery is commonly used to diagnose and treat endometriosis due to its ability to visualize and remove endometrial implants. Patients with suspected endometriosis often have symptoms like pelvic pain and infertility, making laparoscopy a suitable option for both diagnosis and treatment. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not typically require laparoscopic surgery. Low antral follicle count and elevated prolactin levels are more related to infertility evaluations, while patent fallopian tubes on hysterosalpingogram indicate normal tubal patency and do not necessarily warrant laparoscopic intervention.