Fetal Circulation Questions And Answers NCLEX Exam 2022

1. What structures in fetal circulation play a role in shunting blood away from the LUNGS? Select all that apply: A. Ductus arteriosus B. Ductus venosus C. Umbilical artery D. Foramen ovale E. Umbilical vein The answers are A and D. The ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale are the structures that help blood flow bypass (or shunt) away from the lungs. These structures seal off and become nonfunctional after birth. The ductus venosus plays a role with shunting blood from the LIVER (not lungs). 2. Select the structures in fetal circulation that play a role with shunting blood away from the lungs and liver? Select all that apply: A. Umbilical vein B. Ductus venosus C. Foramen ovale D. Umbilical artery E. Ductus arteriosus The answers are B, C, and E. These structures play a role with shunting blood from the lungs and liver. The ductus venosus shunts some blood from the LIVER, and the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus shunt blood from the LUNGS.