which of the following is a function of the placenta

HESI RN

Reproductive System Exam Questions

1. Which of the following is a function of the placenta?

A. The placenta secretes insulin.
B. The placenta facilitates the exchange of gases and nutrients between mother and fetus.
C. The placenta provides immunological protection to the fetus.
D. The placenta stores fat-soluble vitamins for the fetus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The placenta serves as a crucial organ during pregnancy, facilitating the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and nutrients (such as glucose and amino acids) between the mother and the developing fetus. This exchange is vital for the fetus's growth and development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The placenta does not secrete insulin; insulin is produced by the pancreas. While the placenta provides some immune support to the fetus, its main role is not immunological protection. Additionally, storing fat-soluble vitamins is not a primary function of the placenta.

2. A solid ball of 12-16 cells having undergone mitotic division after fertilization is:

A. Zygote
B. Blastomere
C. Morula
D. Blastocyst

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A morula is a stage in embryonic development where a solid ball of 12-16 cells is formed after several rounds of mitotic division following fertilization. The zygote is the initial cell formed by the fusion of sperm and egg. Blastomere refers to individual cells in a developing embryo. A blastocyst is a later stage where a fluid-filled cavity forms within the embryo. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Morula.'

3. What is the measurement of the breast areola?

A. 3.5cm
B. 2.5cm
C. 4.5cm
D. 1.5cm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 2.5 cm. The average measurement of the areola is approximately 2.5 cm. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical measurement of the breast areola.

4. What is the most common cause of abortion in Zambia?

A. Tuberculosis
B. HIV
C. Ascariasis
D. Malaria

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Malaria is the most common cause of abortion in Zambia due to its significant impact on maternal health. Malaria can lead to severe complications during pregnancy, increasing the risk of spontaneous abortion. Tuberculosis (Choice A), HIV (Choice B), and Ascariasis (Choice C) are serious health conditions, but they are not typically identified as the primary cause of abortion in Zambia as malaria.

5. In which of the following types of spontaneous abortions would the nurse assess dark brown vaginal discharge and a negative pregnancy test?

A. Threatened
B. Imminent
C. Missed
D. Incomplete

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dark brown vaginal discharge and a negative pregnancy test are characteristic of a missed abortion. In a missed abortion, the fetus has died, but the products of conception are retained in the uterus. This can lead to symptoms like dark brown vaginal discharge as the body tries to expel the nonviable pregnancy. A threatened abortion is characterized by vaginal bleeding without dilation of the cervix, and the pregnancy remains viable. Imminent abortion involves cervical dilation and effacement with no passage of tissue. In an incomplete abortion, only part of the products of conception are expelled, leading to persistent bleeding and cramping.