Conception and Fetal
Development Lowdermilk:
Maternity & Women's Health
Care, 12th Edition Newest Exam
Complete Solutions
1. The nurse knows that teaching about the natural family planning method
of contraception was effective when the couple responds that an ovum is
considered fertile for which period of time?
a. 6 to 8 hours
b. 24 hours
c. 2 to 3 days
d. 1 week - Correct Answers-ANS: B
Most ova remain fertile for approximately 24 hours after ovulation, much
longer than 6 to 8 hours. However, ova do not remain fertile for 2 to 3 days
or are viable for 1 week. If unfertilized by a sperm after 24 hours, the ovum
degenerates and is reabsorbed
2. What kind of fetal anomalies are most often associated with
oligohydramnios?
a. Renal
b. Cardiac
c. Gastrointestinal
d. Neurologic - Correct Answers-ANS: A
An amniotic fluid volume of less than 300 ml (oligohydramnios) is often
associated with fetal renal anomalies. The amniotic fluid volume has no
bearing on the fetal cardiovascular system. Gastrointestinal anomalies are
associated with hydramnios or an amniotic fluid volume greater than 2 L.
The amniotic fluid volume has no bearing on the fetal neurologic system
3. A pregnant woman at 25 weeks of gestation tells the nurse that she
dropped a pan last week and her baby jumped at the noise. Which response
by the nurse is most accurate?
a. "That must have been a coincidence; babies can't respond like that."
b. "The fetus is demonstrating the aural reflex."
c. "Babies respond to sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of
gestation."
d. "Let me know if it happens again; we need to report that to your midwife."
- Correct Answers-ANS: C
, Babies respond to external sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of
gestation. Acoustic stimulations can evoke a fetal heart rate response. There
is no such thing as an aural reflex. The last statement is inappropriate and
may cause undue psychologic alarm to the client
4. Which statement regarding the structure and function of the placenta is
correct?
a. Produces nutrients for fetal nutrition
b. Secretes both estrogen and progesterone
c. Forms a protective, impenetrable barrier to microorganisms such as
bacteria and viruses
d. Excretes prolactin and insulin - Correct Answers-ANS: B
As one of its early functions, the placenta acts as an endocrine gland,
producing four hormones necessary to maintain the pregnancy and to
support the embryo or fetus: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human
placental lactogen (hPL), estrogen, and progesterone. The placenta does not
produce nutrients. It functions as a means of metabolic exchange between
the maternal and fetal blood supplies. Many bacteria and viruses can cross
the placental membrane.
5. A woman in labor passes some thick meconium as her amniotic fluid
ruptures. The client asks the nurse where the baby makes the meconium.
What is the correct response by the nurse?
a. Fetal intestines
b. Fetal kidneys
c. Amniotic fluid
d. Placenta - Correct Answers-ANS: A
As the fetus nears term, fetal waste products accumulate in the intestines as
dark green-to-black, tarry meconium. Meconium is not produced by the fetal
kidneys nor should it be present in the amniotic fluid, which may be an
indication of fetal compromise. The placenta does not produce meconium.
6. A woman asks the nurse, "What protects my baby's umbilical cord from
being squashed while the baby's inside of me?" What is the nurse's best
response?
a. "Your baby's umbilical cord is surrounded by connective tissue called
Wharton's jelly, which prevents compression of the blood vessels."
b. "Your baby's umbilical cord floats around in blood and amniotic fluid."
c. "You don't need to be worrying about things like that." d. "The umbilical
cord is a group of blood vessels that are very well protected by the
placenta." - Correct Answers-ANS: A
Explaining the structure and function of the umbilical cord is the most
appropriate response. Connective tissue called Wharton's jelly surrounds the
umbilical cord, prevents compression of the blood vessels, and ensures
continued nourishment of the embryo or fetus. The umbilical cord does not
float around in blood or fluid. Telling the client not to worry negates her need
Development Lowdermilk:
Maternity & Women's Health
Care, 12th Edition Newest Exam
Complete Solutions
1. The nurse knows that teaching about the natural family planning method
of contraception was effective when the couple responds that an ovum is
considered fertile for which period of time?
a. 6 to 8 hours
b. 24 hours
c. 2 to 3 days
d. 1 week - Correct Answers-ANS: B
Most ova remain fertile for approximately 24 hours after ovulation, much
longer than 6 to 8 hours. However, ova do not remain fertile for 2 to 3 days
or are viable for 1 week. If unfertilized by a sperm after 24 hours, the ovum
degenerates and is reabsorbed
2. What kind of fetal anomalies are most often associated with
oligohydramnios?
a. Renal
b. Cardiac
c. Gastrointestinal
d. Neurologic - Correct Answers-ANS: A
An amniotic fluid volume of less than 300 ml (oligohydramnios) is often
associated with fetal renal anomalies. The amniotic fluid volume has no
bearing on the fetal cardiovascular system. Gastrointestinal anomalies are
associated with hydramnios or an amniotic fluid volume greater than 2 L.
The amniotic fluid volume has no bearing on the fetal neurologic system
3. A pregnant woman at 25 weeks of gestation tells the nurse that she
dropped a pan last week and her baby jumped at the noise. Which response
by the nurse is most accurate?
a. "That must have been a coincidence; babies can't respond like that."
b. "The fetus is demonstrating the aural reflex."
c. "Babies respond to sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of
gestation."
d. "Let me know if it happens again; we need to report that to your midwife."
- Correct Answers-ANS: C
, Babies respond to external sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of
gestation. Acoustic stimulations can evoke a fetal heart rate response. There
is no such thing as an aural reflex. The last statement is inappropriate and
may cause undue psychologic alarm to the client
4. Which statement regarding the structure and function of the placenta is
correct?
a. Produces nutrients for fetal nutrition
b. Secretes both estrogen and progesterone
c. Forms a protective, impenetrable barrier to microorganisms such as
bacteria and viruses
d. Excretes prolactin and insulin - Correct Answers-ANS: B
As one of its early functions, the placenta acts as an endocrine gland,
producing four hormones necessary to maintain the pregnancy and to
support the embryo or fetus: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human
placental lactogen (hPL), estrogen, and progesterone. The placenta does not
produce nutrients. It functions as a means of metabolic exchange between
the maternal and fetal blood supplies. Many bacteria and viruses can cross
the placental membrane.
5. A woman in labor passes some thick meconium as her amniotic fluid
ruptures. The client asks the nurse where the baby makes the meconium.
What is the correct response by the nurse?
a. Fetal intestines
b. Fetal kidneys
c. Amniotic fluid
d. Placenta - Correct Answers-ANS: A
As the fetus nears term, fetal waste products accumulate in the intestines as
dark green-to-black, tarry meconium. Meconium is not produced by the fetal
kidneys nor should it be present in the amniotic fluid, which may be an
indication of fetal compromise. The placenta does not produce meconium.
6. A woman asks the nurse, "What protects my baby's umbilical cord from
being squashed while the baby's inside of me?" What is the nurse's best
response?
a. "Your baby's umbilical cord is surrounded by connective tissue called
Wharton's jelly, which prevents compression of the blood vessels."
b. "Your baby's umbilical cord floats around in blood and amniotic fluid."
c. "You don't need to be worrying about things like that." d. "The umbilical
cord is a group of blood vessels that are very well protected by the
placenta." - Correct Answers-ANS: A
Explaining the structure and function of the umbilical cord is the most
appropriate response. Connective tissue called Wharton's jelly surrounds the
umbilical cord, prevents compression of the blood vessels, and ensures
continued nourishment of the embryo or fetus. The umbilical cord does not
float around in blood or fluid. Telling the client not to worry negates her need
