What activities best describe the work of the placenta during pregnancy?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The placenta plays a crucial role in producing hormones that are necessary for maintaining pregnancy, supporting fetal development, and preparing the mother's body for childbirth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the placenta's primary function is not to surround and cushion the fetus, combine blood stores for nutrient exchange, or absorb vitamins and minerals. While the placenta does facilitate the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and fetus, its hormone production is the most critical function during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. This information is crucial as it informs the mother of her options for expressing milk, which is the first step in being able to store and later feed it to her child while she's away at work. Choice A has been corrected to state that breast milk can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, providing a more accurate storage timeframe. Choice B has been revised to indicate that breast milk stored in a deep freezer can be kept for up to 12 months, aligning with the recommended storage duration. Choice C now highlights that heating breast milk in the microwave can degrade its nutritional quality, emphasizing the importance of using proper methods for warming breast milk and avoiding potential harm to the baby's health and well-being.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: potato chips. Potato chips, especially when fried in hydrogenated oils, are a common source of trans fats, which are linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Hot dogs (choice A) can also contain trans fats if made with processed meats and added fats. Whole milk (choice B) and fatty fish (choice C) do not typically contain trans fats, making them less likely sources compared to potato chips.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Hypoalbuminemia, which refers to low albumin levels in the blood, is often associated with edema. Albumin helps maintain oncotic pressure, which keeps fluid within blood vessels. When albumin levels are low, this pressure decreases, leading to fluid leakage from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, resulting in edema. The other choices are less likely effects of hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia doesn't directly cause infections (Choice A), rickets (Choice B) caused by vitamin D deficiency, or hypertension (Choice C) associated with factors like high sodium intake, obesity, and genetic predisposition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: quit smoking. Smoking lowers HDL levels, so quitting smoking is crucial to raising HDL levels. Increasing dietary sodium (choice B) is not linked to raising HDL levels and can have negative effects on cardiovascular health. Taking iron supplements (choice C) is not directly related to increasing HDL levels. Avoiding dairy products (choice D) is not necessary to raise HDL levels; in fact, some dairy products like low-fat options can be part of a heart-healthy diet.