Functions of the Placenta and Amniotic Structures
37 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the role of the amniotic membranes?

  • To function as a nerve center for the fetus
  • To provide pain sensation during labor
  • To supply nutrients directly to the fetus
  • To support and produce amniotic fluid (correct)

    • At what stage of development are totipotent stem cells present?

  • From birth onwards
  • In the first 4 days of life (correct)
  • After the first month of life
  • During the fetal stage only

    • What does the term 'cephalocaudal' refer to in development?

  • Equal development of head and lower body parts
  • Development of limbs before the head
  • Head development occurring before body parts (correct)
  • Development of body organs in random order

    • What characterizes multipotent stem cells?

    <p>They are specific to becoming a particular body organ</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do amniotic membranes respond when ruptured?

    <p>They do not produce any sensation of pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average length of the umbilical cord?

    <p>55 cm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the placenta related to gas exchange?

    <p>Fetal respiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is NOT secreted by the placenta?

    <p>Insulin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of the diameter of the umbilical cord at term?

    <p>0.8 to 2.0 cm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily contributes to the volume of amniotic fluid in the second half of pregnancy?

    <p>Fetal swallowing and urination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of tissue primarily comprises the central core of the placenta?

    <p>Connective tissue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what gestational age does the placenta begin to become dysfunctional?

    <p>42 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following substances does the placenta provide limited protection against?

    <p>Viruses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what week does maternal antibodies begin to cross the placenta to provide the fetus with passive immunity?

    <p>20 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which weight is characteristic of a fetus at 36 weeks of gestation?

    <p>2,500 g</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio noted at 36 weeks of gestation?

    <p>2:1</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason for assessing fetal growth and development?

    <p>Determine the father's genetic background</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What notable change occurs in the fetus around 36 weeks of gestation regarding body shape?

    <p>Firm nails develop</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At full term (40 weeks), what is the average weight of a fetus?

    <p>3,400 g</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic changes occur in the fetus at 40 weeks of gestation?

    <p>Testes in the scrotum if male</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a nursing responsibility during a fetal assessment?

    <p>Obtain informed consent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what gestational age is fetal movement typically first felt by the pregnant person?

    <p>18 to 20 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates a 'marked' variability in the fetal heart rate (FHR)?

    <p>Amplitude range is greater than 25 bpm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key component of the non-stress test?

    <p>Recording FHR response to fetal movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended position for a client during rhythm strip testing?

    <p>Semi-fowler's position</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT typically assessed in the nursing health history?

    <p>Maternal weight gain progress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What measurement corresponds to fundic height at 20 weeks of gestation?

    <p>At the umbilicus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When assessing fetal health, what does the term 'kick counts' refer to?

    <p>Counting fetal movements over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following should be addressed regarding maternal exposure during the nursing health history?

    <p>General environmental exposure such as to communicable diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the Kleihauer-Betke test in blood sampling during pregnancy?

    <p>To check for fetal blood presence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which trimester is rapid organogenesis most critical?

    <p>First Trimester</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurs in the uterus during pregnancy?

    <p>Formation of fibroelastic tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What fetal monitoring should occur before and after certain procedures?

    <p>Fetal heart rate and uterine contraction monitoring</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method allows direct visualization of the amniotic fluid and fetus?

    <p>Fetoscopy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of the second trimester of pregnancy?

    <p>Most rapid fetal growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the third trimester regarding fetal development?

    <p>Rapid deposition of fats, iron, and calcium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected effect of increasing blood pressure during pregnancy procedures?

    <p>Need for careful monitoring of fetal responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Functions of the Placenta

    • Transports nutrients and water-soluble vitamins to the fetus
    • Serves as the fetal organ for respiration and excretion through amniotic fluid
    • Acts as a protective barrier against certain substances and organisms like heparin and bacteria
    • Secretes hormones: estrogen, progesterone, hCG, hPL or hCS

    Umbilical Cord

    • Average length: 55 cm, ranging from 30 to 100 cm
    • Diameter: 0.8 to 2.0 cm at term
    • Extends from the fetal surface of the placenta to the fetal umbilicus
    • Blood flow at term: 350 mL per minute

    Amniotic Fluid

    • Clear, straw-colored fluid surrounding the fetus
    • Initially derived from maternal serum or plasma
    • Fetal urination and swallowing contribute significantly to fluid volume by the second half of pregnancy

    Amniotic Membranes

    • Dual-walled sac with the chorion as the outermost layer and the amnion as the innermost layer
    • Fuse together to appear as one sac at term
    • Also known as "bag of water" (BOW)
    • Lack nerve supply, making ruptures painless for both the mother and fetus
    • Support amniotic fluid and contribute to its production
    • Produce a phospholipid that initiates the formation of prostaglandins, crucial during labor and fetal development

    Stem Cells

    • Totipotent stem cells (first 4 days): undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into any cell in the human body; they duplicate with the same function
    • Pluripotent stem cells: begin to differentiate into any body cell, becoming slated for specific body cell roles
    • Multipotent stem cells: specialized to become a particular body organ

    Zygote Growth

    • Cephalocaudal (head-to-tail): Head development happens first, followed by the middle and then the lower body parts

    8 Weeks of Development

    • Head size disproportionately large compared to the body.
    • Neuromuscular development and some movements emerge.

    Fetal Immunity

    • Immunoglobulin (Ig) G: Maternal antibodies cross the placenta into the fetus as early as week 20, definitely by week 24
    • Provides temporary passive immunity against diseases for which the mother has antibodies.

    Assessment of Fetal Growth and Development

    • Performed for various reasons, including:
      • Predicting pregnancy outcome
      • Managing the remaining weeks of pregnancy
      • Planning for possible complications at birth
      • Planning for potential newborn infant problems
      • Deciding whether to continue the pregnancy
      • Identifying conditions affecting future pregnancies

    Nursing Responsibilities

    • Obtain informed consent
    • Explain the procedure to the pregnant client and family members
    • Prepare the client physically and emotionally
    • Provide support during the procedure
    • Assess fetal and maternal responses during and after the procedure
    • Provide any necessary follow-up care
    • Manage the equipment and specimens

    Kick Counts

    • Fetal movement felt by the pregnant person starts at 18 to 20 weeks and intensifies between 28 and 38 weeks.

    Rhythm Strip Testing

    • Assesses fetal well-being and evaluates the fetal heart rate (FHR) for a normal baseline rate.
    • Place the client in a semi-Fowler's position.
    • Attach an external fetal monitor.
    • Record the FHR for 20 minutes.
    • Variability is rated as:
      • Absent: no peak-to-trough range detectable
      • Minimal: an amplitude range is detectable, but the rate is 5 bpm or fewer
      • Moderate or Normal: an amplitude range is detectable; rate is 6 to 25 bpm
      • Marked: an amplitude range is detectable; rate is greater than 25 bpm.

    Non-Stress Testing

    • Measures the FHR response to fetal movement.
    • Help the client into a sitting position.
    • Blood samples will be examined for:
      • CBC
      • Direct Coombs test
      • Blood gases
      • Karyotyping
    • Blood obtained will initially be examined using the Kleihauer-Betke test to confirm fetal blood presence.

    Ultrasound

    • Used to assess fetal growth and development, including:
      • Fetal size
      • Placenta location
      • Amniotic fluid volume
      • Fetal anatomy
      • Fetal heart rate

    Aspirating Blood

    • Used to obtain a sample of fetal blood for genetic testing, which can identify chromosomal abnormalities.

    Fetoscopy

    • A procedure that involves visualizing the fetus through a fetoscope, allowing direct observation of amniotic fluid and the fetus.
    • Used to:
      • Confirm the integrity of the spinal column
      • Obtain biopsy samples of fetal tissue and blood

    36 Weeks of Development

    • Weight: 2,500 grams
    • Crown-rump length: 32 cm
    • Lecithin/Sphyngomyelin ratio is 2:1
    • Definite sleep/wake pattern
    • More rotund body due to subcutaneous fat deposition
    • Lanugo is disappearing
    • Excellent chance of survival with proper care

    40 Weeks of Development

    • Weight: approximately 3,400 grams
    • Crown-rump length: 36 cm
    • Full term, fully developed, with good muscle tone and reflexes
    • Little lanugo
    • If male, testes are in the scrotum
    • The age at the time of the EDC counts from the first day of the LMP

    Trimesters of Pregnancy:

    • First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): Rapid organogenesis occurs, making teratogens like alcohol, drugs, viruses, and radiation highly damaging.
    • Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26): The most comfortable trimester for the mother; continued fetal growth takes place.
    • Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40): Rapid deposition of fats, iron, and calcium occurs, marking the period of most rapid fetal growth. Preparation for delivery begins.

    Physiological Adaptations of Pregnancy:

    • Reproductive System Changes:
      • Uterus:
        • Increased uterine size
        • Transformation from a globular to an oval shape
        • Formation of new fibroelastic tissues
        • Fundal height changes
        • Increased vascularity to the pelvic region

    Nursing Health History:

    • Ask the client about:
      • Any illnesses before pregnancy
      • Any medications taken
      • Nutritional intake and personal habits
      • Environmental exposure (teratogens)
      • Previous pregnancies
      • Exposure to communicable diseases, like COVID-19
      • Unintentional injuries or intimate partner violence

    Physical Examination

    • Second step in evaluating fetal health
    • Assessing maternal weight and general appearance can provide clues about the fetus's nutritional and physical condition

    Fundic Height Measurement:

    • 12 weeks: over the symphysis pubis
    • 20 weeks: at the umbilicus
    • 36 weeks: at the xiphoid process
    • At the expected date of confinement (EDC), the fetus is 40 weeks old.

    Xyphoid Process and Fundus Level:

    • Indicates a pregnancy around 36 weeks.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Midterms Maternal And Child Nursing PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the essential functions of the placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, and membranes during pregnancy. Learn about nutrient transport, respiration, hormone secretion, and the protective roles these structures play for the developing fetus. Test your understanding of these critical aspects of fetal development.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser