The nurse is explaining fetal circulation to a group of nursing students. Which information should be included in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The ductus venosus shunts blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava. During fetal circulation, the ductus venosus allows oxygenated blood from the placenta to bypass the liver and flow directly into the inferior vena cava. This is important for fetal circulation as the liver is not fully functional in the fetus. After birth, the ductus venosus closes as the liver becomes fully operational. Rationale for incorrect choices: A: After birth, the ductus venosus closes, not remains open. B: The foramen ovale shunts blood from the right atrium to the left atrium, not related to the ductus venosus. D: This choice is a repetition of the correct information but incorrectly states the destination of the shunted blood.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because hot flashes and mood swings can indicate hormonal imbalances, which are common causes of infertility. This symptom suggests potential issues with ovulation or other reproductive system functions. Choice A is irrelevant to infertility. Choice B, age alone does not indicate infertility. Choice D, a history of pelvic inflammatory disease can cause infertility, but symptoms indicating current hormonal imbalances are of more immediate concern.

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.