NUR401 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION TEST
2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
● embryonic period. Answer: weeks 3-8
differentiation of cells occurs, can be altered/damaged by teratogens
- forms from 3 different germ layers (autoderm, mesoderm, endoderm)
neural tube closes at 4 weeks (risk of anencephaly or spina bifida)
fetal health tones at 21-22 days
all major organ systems have basic structures formed by 8 weeks
● fetal period. Answer: 9 weeks to birth; period of growth and
refinement
urine production begins (9-12 weeks)
sex can be determined by week 12
quickening occurs at 16-20 weeks
viability at 24 weeks
full term at 38-40 weeks
,● Placenta. Answer: thick, disk-shaped organ with metabolic/endocrine
functions that also facilitates the transport of substances between mother
and fetus
● Placenta endocrine functions. Answer: hCG, estrogen, progesterone,
human chorionic somatotropin
● human chorionic somatotropin. Answer: Decreases insulin sensitivity
in mom to increase glucose availability for fetus
● Placenta blood flow. Answer: Two umbilical arteries remove
deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus and deliver them
to maternal circulation
One umbilical vein brings oxygenated blood and nutrients to the fetal
circulation
● Fetal Membranes. Answer: Amnion: inner membrane; continuous with
the surface of the umbilical cord and joins the epithelium on the fetus's
abdomen
Chorion: outer membrane; forms from the gradual erosion of the
chorionic villi
● Amniotic fluid. Answer: fluid that protects the fetus and promotes
development; cushioning and stable temperature
, ● Oligohydraminos. Answer: less than 500mL of fluid; leads to poor
fetal lung development (newborn respiratory distress) and physical
malformations
caused by issues with kidneys and blood flow
● Hyrdaminos/polyhydraminos. Answer: can be in excess of 2000mL of
fluid; caused by severe GI/CNS malformations
causes preterm birth, cord prolapse and placental abruption
● Umbilical cord. Answer: encases two arteries and one vein for the
transport of blood, nutrients, and waste products between mother and
fetus
● Ductus Venosus. Answer: first shunt; in the inferior vena cava through
which blood bypasses the liver in early pregnancy
● Foramen Ovale. Answer: second shunt; moves blood directly from
right atrium to left atrium
● Ductus arteriosus. Answer: Third shunt; blood from the right ventricle
joins oxygenated blood in the aorta
● Hegar's Sign. Answer: softening of the lower uterine segment
2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
● embryonic period. Answer: weeks 3-8
differentiation of cells occurs, can be altered/damaged by teratogens
- forms from 3 different germ layers (autoderm, mesoderm, endoderm)
neural tube closes at 4 weeks (risk of anencephaly or spina bifida)
fetal health tones at 21-22 days
all major organ systems have basic structures formed by 8 weeks
● fetal period. Answer: 9 weeks to birth; period of growth and
refinement
urine production begins (9-12 weeks)
sex can be determined by week 12
quickening occurs at 16-20 weeks
viability at 24 weeks
full term at 38-40 weeks
,● Placenta. Answer: thick, disk-shaped organ with metabolic/endocrine
functions that also facilitates the transport of substances between mother
and fetus
● Placenta endocrine functions. Answer: hCG, estrogen, progesterone,
human chorionic somatotropin
● human chorionic somatotropin. Answer: Decreases insulin sensitivity
in mom to increase glucose availability for fetus
● Placenta blood flow. Answer: Two umbilical arteries remove
deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus and deliver them
to maternal circulation
One umbilical vein brings oxygenated blood and nutrients to the fetal
circulation
● Fetal Membranes. Answer: Amnion: inner membrane; continuous with
the surface of the umbilical cord and joins the epithelium on the fetus's
abdomen
Chorion: outer membrane; forms from the gradual erosion of the
chorionic villi
● Amniotic fluid. Answer: fluid that protects the fetus and promotes
development; cushioning and stable temperature
, ● Oligohydraminos. Answer: less than 500mL of fluid; leads to poor
fetal lung development (newborn respiratory distress) and physical
malformations
caused by issues with kidneys and blood flow
● Hyrdaminos/polyhydraminos. Answer: can be in excess of 2000mL of
fluid; caused by severe GI/CNS malformations
causes preterm birth, cord prolapse and placental abruption
● Umbilical cord. Answer: encases two arteries and one vein for the
transport of blood, nutrients, and waste products between mother and
fetus
● Ductus Venosus. Answer: first shunt; in the inferior vena cava through
which blood bypasses the liver in early pregnancy
● Foramen Ovale. Answer: second shunt; moves blood directly from
right atrium to left atrium
● Ductus arteriosus. Answer: Third shunt; blood from the right ventricle
joins oxygenated blood in the aorta
● Hegar's Sign. Answer: softening of the lower uterine segment
