What is the function of Wharton's jelly inside the umbilical cord?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Wharton's jelly is a gelatinous substance found inside the umbilical cord that plays a crucial role in supporting the cord's structure and function. The correct answer, option B, "To prevent the vessels inside the cord from kinking," is accurate because Wharton's jelly acts as a cushion to protect the blood vessels (arteries and veins) within the umbilical cord. By maintaining the patency of these vessels, Wharton's jelly ensures a continuous flow of oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the developing fetus and facilitates the removal of waste products from the fetus. Option A, "To help provide nutrition to the fetus," is incorrect because the primary role of the umbilical cord is to transport nutrients, not to provide them. The mother's placenta is responsible for transferring nutrients to the fetus, while the umbilical cord serves as the conduit for this exchange. Option C, "To help protect the fetus," while partially true due to the supportive role of Wharton's jelly in maintaining cord integrity, is not the primary function of this substance. Protection of the fetus is more related to the amniotic fluid and the physical barriers surrounding the fetus in the womb. Option D, "To regulate the temperature between the fetus and the mother," is also incorrect as the regulation of temperature is mainly controlled by the mother's body and the amniotic fluid, not by Wharton's jelly within the umbilical cord. Understanding the function of Wharton's jelly is important in the context of pediatric nursing and obstetrics as it relates to fetal development, circulation, and overall well-being. Nurses need to comprehend how structures like the umbilical cord work to provide optimal care for both the fetus and the mother during pregnancy and childbirth.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) After 48 hours. The maximal benefit of antenatal corticosteroids, such as betamethasone, in reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants occurs after 48 hours of administration. Corticosteroids help in promoting fetal lung maturity by enhancing the production of surfactant, which is essential for preventing RDS in preterm infants. Option A) After 12 hours is incorrect because the full beneficial effect of corticosteroids is not realized this quickly. Option B) After 24 hours is also incorrect as it does not allow enough time for the corticosteroids to exert their maximal effect in promoting surfactant production. Option D) After 1 week is incorrect as the maximal benefit is achieved within 48 hours, and waiting a week would delay the potential benefits for the preterm infant. In an educational context, understanding the timing of when the maximal benefit of antenatal corticosteroids occurs is crucial for nurses and other healthcare professionals caring for pregnant women at risk of preterm birth. Administering corticosteroids at the appropriate time can significantly improve the outcomes for preterm infants by reducing the risks of complications such as RDS. This knowledge is essential for nurses working in labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care units, and other settings where they may care for preterm infants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of intrapartum assessment of the fetus, the correct answer is A) Fetal scalp stimulation. This technique involves applying pressure or rubbing the fetal scalp to elicit a response, such as acceleration of the fetal heart rate, indicating fetal well-being and oxygenation status. Option B) Umbilical cord blood sampling is typically done after birth to assess the newborn's blood gas values and is not a method for intrapartum assessment. Option C) Placental blood sampling is not a direct method of assessing the fetus's oxygenation status during labor. Option D) Biophysical profile is a prenatal ultrasound evaluation used to assess fetal well-being and is not typically used for intrapartum assessments. In an educational context, understanding the importance of intrapartum fetal assessment techniques is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers caring for laboring women. Fetal scalp stimulation is a valuable tool to quickly assess fetal well-being and oxygenation status during labor, helping to guide clinical decision-making and interventions to ensure optimal outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of resuscitating a term newborn, the correct rate of ventilation should be 40 to 60 breaths per minute. This rate is appropriate for newborns as it helps provide adequate oxygenation without causing harm. Newborns have higher respiratory rates compared to adults due to their smaller lung capacity and higher metabolic demands. Ventilating at a rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute ensures sufficient oxygen delivery while preventing over-ventilation. Option A (20 to 30 breaths per minute) is too low for a term newborn and may not provide adequate oxygenation. Option B (30 to 40 breaths per minute) falls within the lower range of the recommended rate and may not be sufficient during resuscitation. Option D (60 to 100 breaths per minute) is too high and can lead to over-ventilation, causing potential harm to the newborn. Educationally, understanding the appropriate ventilation rates for newborns is crucial for healthcare providers working in settings where neonatal resuscitation may be required. This knowledge can help ensure effective and safe resuscitation practices, ultimately improving outcomes for newborns in distress.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Delayed resorption of fetal lung fluid. Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a common respiratory condition in newborns characterized by rapid breathing due to the delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid after birth. This leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing respiratory distress. Prematurity (Option A) is a common cause of respiratory distress in newborns, but it is not the most common cause of TTN. Meconium aspiration (Option B) occurs when a newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid, leading to respiratory issues different from TTN. Respiratory distress syndrome (Option D) is caused by insufficient surfactant production in premature infants, leading to lung collapse and is not directly related to delayed resorption of fetal lung fluid. In an educational context, understanding the etiology of TTN is crucial for nurses caring for newborns. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of TTN, as well as its common causes, can help nurses provide appropriate care and support for infants experiencing this transient respiratory condition. It also highlights the importance of early identification and intervention to ensure optimal outcomes for newborns with TTN.