Nursing, Antepartum, Fetal Development | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct
(Verified Answers)
Subject: Maternal-Newborn Nursing / Antepartum & Fetal Development
Source: NSG 432 Exam 1 – Comprehensive Content Review
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale
1: When does the placenta take over the endocrine function of the corpus luteum?
Correct Answer: 10 weeks.
1. Corpus luteum produces progesterone until 8-10 weeks.
2. Placenta gradually assumes hormonal production.
3. If placenta fails, miscarriage may occur.
2: What is the length of the embryonic stage? What forms in this stage?
Correct Answer: Days 15-8 weeks (weeks 8-40 - fetal developmental stage). MOST SUSCEPTIBLE
TO TERATOGENS. Amniotic sac and fluid forms, yolk sac transfers maternal nutrients and oxygen to
the embryo (disappears after 5th/6th week). Umbilical cord develops by day 14.
1. Major organs form during embryonic stage.
2. Teratogens cause greatest damage during organogenesis.
3. Yolk sac produces primitive blood cells.
3: What are the 5 components of the biophysical profile (BPP)? What is a normal score?
Correct Answer: 1) NST, 2) Fetal breathing movements, 3) Fetal movements, 4) Amniotic fluid, 5)
Fetal tone. Normal score: 8-10.
1. Each component scored 0 or 2.
2. Score ≤6 indicates further evaluation.
3. Amniotic fluid reflects chronic placental function.
4: What are the 3 placental functions?
Correct Answer: 1) Endocrine function: Produces hCG, progesterone and estrogen. 2) Metabolic
functions: respiration, nutrition, excretion, storage. 3) Circulatory function: Depends on maternal BP.
1. hCG maintains corpus luteum first trimester.
2. Placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to fetus.
3. Fetal waste products cross placenta for maternal excretion.
, 5: How can we identify fetal lung maturity?
Correct Answer: L/S ratio (2:1) - tests surfactant effectiveness.
1. Lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio ≥2 indicates lung maturity.
2. Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) presence also indicates maturity.
3. Amniocentesis required for L/S ratio.
6: By what point is circulation and transfer of nutrients/waste in place from the umbilical cord?
Correct Answer: Day 17 (structure is complete by 12 weeks).
1. Umbilical cord has 2 arteries, 1 vein.
2. Wharton's jelly protects vessels.
3. Cord abnormalities may cause fetal growth restriction.
7: When does implantation occur?
Correct Answer: 6-10 days after fertilization.
1. Blastocyst implants in endometrial lining.
2. hCG detectable 7-10 days after conception.
3. Implantation bleeding may occur.
8: What 2 hormones stimulate the release of the mature ovum from the ovary on day 12 of the
menstrual cycle? What 2 hormones will decrease if fertilization/implantation do not occur?
Correct Answer: LH and FSH (stimulate ovulation). Estrogen and progesterone decrease →
menstruation.
1. LH surge triggers ovulation.
2. Corpus luteum degenerates without pregnancy.
3. Hormone withdrawal causes endometrial shedding.
9: Where does fertilization occur? How long does it take a zygote to travel down the fallopian tube?
Correct Answer: In outer 1/3 of fallopian tube (ampulla); 3-4 days.
1. Sperm capacitation required.
2. Zygote undergoes cleavage divisions during transport.
3. Implantation occurs after reaching uterus.
10: When do we do an amniocentesis and what is it used for?
Correct Answer: 15-20 weeks; detects chromosomal abnormalities, genetic D/Os - CF, SCD, fetal lung
maturity, measures AFP - If high, may indicate neural tube defects (spina bifida).
1. Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration.
2. Risk of miscarriage ~0.1-0.3%.
3. Results take 10-14 days for karyotype.