Chapter 12: Conception and Fetal
Development Lowdermilk: Maternity &
Women's Health Care, 12th Edition Exam
Questions & Answers Graded A+
1. The nurse knows that teaching about the natural family planning method of
contraception was effective when the couple responds that an ovum is considered fertile
for which period of time?
a. 6 to 8 hours
b. 24 hours
c. 2 to 3 days
d. 1 week - ANSWER-ANS: B
Most ova remain fertile for approximately 24 hours after ovulation, much longer than 6
to 8 hours. However, ova do not remain fertile for 2 to 3 days or are viable for 1 week. If
unfertilized by a sperm after 24 hours, the ovum degenerates and is reabsorbed
2. What kind of fetal anomalies are most often associated with oligohydramnios?
a. Renal
b. Cardiac
c. Gastrointestinal
d. Neurologic - ANSWER-ANS: A
An amniotic fluid volume of less than 300 ml (oligohydramnios) is often associated with
fetal renal anomalies. The amniotic fluid volume has no bearing on the fetal
cardiovascular system. Gastrointestinal anomalies are associated with hydramnios or
an amniotic fluid volume greater than 2 L. The amniotic fluid volume has no bearing on
the fetal neurologic system
, 3. A pregnant woman at 25 weeks of gestation tells the nurse that she dropped a pan
last week and her baby jumped at the noise. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate?
a. "That must have been a coincidence; babies can't respond like that."
b. "The fetus is demonstrating the aural reflex."
c. "Babies respond to sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of gestation."
d. "Let me know if it happens again; we need to report that to your midwife." -
ANSWER-ANS: C
Babies respond to external sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of gestation.
Acoustic stimulations can evoke a fetal heart rate response. There is no such thing as
an aural reflex. The last statement is inappropriate and may cause undue psychologic
alarm to the client
4. Which statement regarding the structure and function of the placenta is correct?
a. Produces nutrients for fetal nutrition
b. Secretes both estrogen and progesterone
c. Forms a protective, impenetrable barrier to microorganisms such as bacteria and
viruses
d. Excretes prolactin and insulin - ANSWER-ANS: B
As one of its early functions, the placenta acts as an endocrine gland, producing four
hormones necessary to maintain the pregnancy and to support the embryo or fetus:
human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogen, and
progesterone. The placenta does not produce nutrients. It functions as a means of
metabolic exchange between the maternal and fetal blood supplies. Many bacteria and
viruses can cross the placental membrane.
5. A woman in labor passes some thick meconium as her amniotic fluid ruptures. The
client asks the nurse where the baby makes the meconium. What is the correct
response by the nurse?
a. Fetal intestines
b. Fetal kidneys
Development Lowdermilk: Maternity &
Women's Health Care, 12th Edition Exam
Questions & Answers Graded A+
1. The nurse knows that teaching about the natural family planning method of
contraception was effective when the couple responds that an ovum is considered fertile
for which period of time?
a. 6 to 8 hours
b. 24 hours
c. 2 to 3 days
d. 1 week - ANSWER-ANS: B
Most ova remain fertile for approximately 24 hours after ovulation, much longer than 6
to 8 hours. However, ova do not remain fertile for 2 to 3 days or are viable for 1 week. If
unfertilized by a sperm after 24 hours, the ovum degenerates and is reabsorbed
2. What kind of fetal anomalies are most often associated with oligohydramnios?
a. Renal
b. Cardiac
c. Gastrointestinal
d. Neurologic - ANSWER-ANS: A
An amniotic fluid volume of less than 300 ml (oligohydramnios) is often associated with
fetal renal anomalies. The amniotic fluid volume has no bearing on the fetal
cardiovascular system. Gastrointestinal anomalies are associated with hydramnios or
an amniotic fluid volume greater than 2 L. The amniotic fluid volume has no bearing on
the fetal neurologic system
, 3. A pregnant woman at 25 weeks of gestation tells the nurse that she dropped a pan
last week and her baby jumped at the noise. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate?
a. "That must have been a coincidence; babies can't respond like that."
b. "The fetus is demonstrating the aural reflex."
c. "Babies respond to sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of gestation."
d. "Let me know if it happens again; we need to report that to your midwife." -
ANSWER-ANS: C
Babies respond to external sound starting at approximately 24 weeks of gestation.
Acoustic stimulations can evoke a fetal heart rate response. There is no such thing as
an aural reflex. The last statement is inappropriate and may cause undue psychologic
alarm to the client
4. Which statement regarding the structure and function of the placenta is correct?
a. Produces nutrients for fetal nutrition
b. Secretes both estrogen and progesterone
c. Forms a protective, impenetrable barrier to microorganisms such as bacteria and
viruses
d. Excretes prolactin and insulin - ANSWER-ANS: B
As one of its early functions, the placenta acts as an endocrine gland, producing four
hormones necessary to maintain the pregnancy and to support the embryo or fetus:
human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogen, and
progesterone. The placenta does not produce nutrients. It functions as a means of
metabolic exchange between the maternal and fetal blood supplies. Many bacteria and
viruses can cross the placental membrane.
5. A woman in labor passes some thick meconium as her amniotic fluid ruptures. The
client asks the nurse where the baby makes the meconium. What is the correct
response by the nurse?
a. Fetal intestines
b. Fetal kidneys
