A patient at 13 weeks gestation asks the nurse how her baby is nourished during pregnancy. Which information does the nurse use to explain the process to the mother?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice D being correct: 1. Glucose, amino acids, and oxygen are essential nutrients for fetal growth. 2. These nutrients pass through the placenta from the mother's blood to the baby's blood. 3. This exchange occurs via diffusion and active transport processes. 4. The placenta acts as a barrier, filtering out harmful substances like waste products and CO2. 5. This process ensures the baby receives necessary nutrients for development. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Fetal waste products and CO2 pass from the baby to the mother, not the other way around. B: The placenta facilitates nutrient and oxygen exchange but does not create them. C: The mother's and baby's blood do not mix; exchange of nutrients occurs through the placental barrier.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: progesterone. After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone. Progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for implantation and maintaining pregnancy. Prolactin (A) is a hormone mainly involved in milk production. Luteinizing hormone (C) triggers ovulation and the release of the egg from the ovary. Follicle-stimulating hormone (D) is responsible for stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles. The key is understanding the physiological processes post-ovulation and the role of progesterone in these processes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately reflects the nurse's teaching on fertility. Smoking is known to have negative effects on fertility and can increase the risk of miscarriage. This statement shows that the patient has understood the information provided by the nurse regarding factors that could impact fertility. A is incorrect because caffeine can actually affect fertility. B is incorrect because while taking prenatal vitamins is beneficial, it does not directly address fertility improvement. C is incorrect as exercise is generally beneficial for fertility and does not necessarily harm sperm.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: prolactin. Elevated prolactin levels can indicate a pituitary tumor, which may require brain imaging. TSH, progesterone, and FSH are not typically associated with the need for brain imaging. TSH is related to thyroid function, progesterone to the menstrual cycle, and FSH to reproductive health. Prolactin is the hormone primarily associated with lactation and can be elevated due to various reasons, including pituitary tumors. Therefore, in a patient with elevated prolactin levels, brain imaging is necessary to assess for the presence of a pituitary tumor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Testicular sperm aspiration is a procedure to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles. Step 2: If a vasectomy reversal was unsuccessful, it means there is no sperm in the ejaculate due to the blocked vas deferens. Step 3: Testicular sperm aspiration can be recommended in such cases to retrieve sperm for assisted reproductive techniques. Summary: A: Blocked fallopian tubes do not involve male infertility; they affect female fertility. C: Poor cervical mucus production is a female factor, not male. D: Diminished sperm motility may require other treatments, not testicular sperm aspiration.