ATI RN
Conception and Fetal Development NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
In presenting to obstetric nurses interested in genetics, the genetic nurse identifies the primary risk(s) associated with genetic testing as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Denial of insurance benefits. This is because genetic testing can potentially reveal information that insurance companies may use to deny coverage or increase premiums based on pre-existing conditions. This risk is a significant concern for individuals considering genetic testing, as it could impact their access to healthcare services and financial well-being. Option A) Anxiety and altered family relationships, while valid concerns associated with genetic testing, are not considered the primary risks. Genetic counseling and support services are typically available to help individuals navigate through these emotional challenges. Option C) High false-positive results associated with genetic testing can be a risk, but it is not the primary risk. False positives can lead to unnecessary anxiety and follow-up testing, but they are usually addressed through confirmatory testing protocols. Option D) Ethnic and socioeconomic disparity associated with genetic testing is an important consideration, but it is not the primary risk associated with genetic testing. Disparities in access to testing and healthcare services do exist and should be addressed to ensure equitable care for all individuals. In an educational context, understanding the risks associated with genetic testing is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working in obstetrics and genetics. By being aware of these risks, nurses can provide informed support and guidance to individuals considering genetic testing, helping them make well-informed decisions about their healthcare.
Question 2 of 5
A woman's cousin gave birth to an infant with a congenital heart anomaly. The woman asks the nurse when such anomalies occur during development. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) They occur between the third and fifth weeks of development. This response is the most accurate because congenital heart anomalies typically arise during the critical period of heart development, which is between the third and fifth weeks of gestation. During this time, the heart is undergoing complex morphogenetic processes that can be disrupted, leading to structural defects. Option A) We don't really know when such defects occur, is incorrect because we do have a good understanding of the timing of heart development and when anomalies are most likely to occur. Option B) It depends on what caused the defect, is incorrect because while the cause of the anomaly can influence its specific manifestation, the timing of heart development remains relatively consistent. Option D) They usually occur in the first 2 weeks of development, is incorrect as the critical period for heart development extends beyond the first two weeks. In an educational context, understanding the timing of organ development and the vulnerability to anomalies is crucial for healthcare providers working with pregnant women. This knowledge can help in providing appropriate counseling, monitoring, and interventions to promote fetal health and well-being.
Question 3 of 5
A woman asks the nurse, 'What protects my baby's umbilical cord from being squashed while the baby's inside of me?' The nurse's best response is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Your baby's umbilical cord is surrounded by connective tissue called Wharton jelly, which prevents compression of the blood vessels and ensures continued nourishment of your baby. This response is accurate because Wharton jelly is a gelatinous substance that surrounds and protects the umbilical cord, providing cushioning and support to the blood vessels within it. This protection is crucial for maintaining the flow of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the developing baby. Option B) Your baby's umbilical floats around in blood anyway is incorrect because the umbilical cord is not just floating in blood; it is a structured connection between the baby and the placenta, containing blood vessels that transport essential substances between the fetus and the mother. Option C) You don't need to worry about things like that is incorrect as it dismisses the woman's valid concern and fails to provide her with accurate information about fetal development and the umbilical cord. Option D) The umbilical cord is a group of blood vessels that are very well protected by the placenta is incorrect because while the placenta does provide some protection, it is the Wharton jelly specifically that acts as a physical barrier to prevent compression and damage to the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. Educationally, understanding the role of Wharton jelly in protecting the umbilical cord is essential for both healthcare providers and expectant mothers. It highlights the intricate mechanisms that nature has in place to ensure the well-being and development of the fetus during pregnancy. This knowledge empowers women to make informed decisions and take better care of themselves and their unborn babies.
Question 4 of 5
Sally comes in for her first prenatal examination. This is her first child. She asks you (the nurse), 'How does my baby get air inside my uterus?' The correct response is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) The placenta provides oxygen to the baby and excretes carbon dioxide into your bloodstream. During pregnancy, the placenta acts as a bridge between the mother and the developing fetus, allowing for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products. Oxygen from the mother's bloodstream diffuses into the placenta and is then transferred to the fetal bloodstream through the umbilical cord. The placenta also removes carbon dioxide produced by the fetus and releases it into the mother's bloodstream for elimination. Option A is incorrect because while the baby's lungs do develop in utero, they are not functional for gas exchange until birth. Option B is incorrect as the baby does not directly absorb oxygen from the mother's blood system. Option D is incorrect as the oxygen-rich blood from the placenta is delivered through the umbilical vein, not the umbilical artery, to the baby's abdomen where it then circulates throughout the fetal body. Understanding the role of the placenta in gas exchange is crucial for prenatal care providers as it impacts fetal development and maternal-fetal health. Educating expectant mothers about this process helps them comprehend the importance of maintaining a healthy placenta through proper prenatal care and monitoring.
Question 5 of 5
With regard to the development of the respiratory system, maternity nurses should understand that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Maternal hypertension can reduce maternal-placental blood flow, accelerating lung maturity. This statement is accurate because maternal hypertension can lead to placental insufficiency, which in turn can stimulate fetal stress responses, triggering the release of cortisol. Cortisol plays a crucial role in accelerating lung maturation by promoting the production of surfactant, which is essential for proper lung function after birth. Option A is incorrect because the respiratory system actually begins developing during the embryonic stage, around the 4th week of gestation. Option B is also incorrect because the L/S ratio of 1:1, indicating lung maturity, is typically achieved around 35-36 weeks of gestation, not 32 weeks as stated. Option D is incorrect as fetal respiratory movements can be seen on ultrasound scans as early as 11-12 weeks, not necessarily at least 16 weeks. Understanding the timing and factors influencing fetal lung development is crucial for maternity nurses in providing optimal care for both mother and baby. Maternal conditions such as hypertension can have significant implications for fetal lung maturity, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing maternal health during pregnancy to support the best possible outcomes for the newborn.