A nurse is describing the process of fetal circulation to a client during a prenatal visit. The nurse accurately tells the client that fetal circulation consists of?

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

The umbilical cord, the lifeline between the mother and fetus, is correctly described as containing two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein.
The single umbilical vein has the crucial role of carrying oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus.
The two umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products away from the fetus back to the placenta for removal.
This circulatory pattern is a key difference from postnatal circulation, where arteries typically carry oxygenated blood and veins carry deoxygenated blood.

Option A: This is incorrect. In fetal circulation, the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood away from the fetus to the placenta.
Option B: This is incorrect. The umbilical vein is unique in that it carries highly oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus.
Option D: This statement incorrectly reverses the number of arteries and veins. The normal umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Anatomy and physiology of fetal circulation, specifically the composition of the umbilical cord to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Understanding the structure and function of the umbilical cord is fundamental for nurses in maternity care for accurate patient education and newborn assessment.
A common anomaly is a single umbilical artery (SUA), also known as a two-vessel cord. Its detection warrants closer fetal monitoring as it can sometimes be associated with other congenital abnormalities, particularly of the kidneys and heart.
What if? If a newborn's umbilical cord was observed to have only one artery and one vein, the nurse must document this finding and notify the pediatrician. This may indicate the need for further investigation, such as a renal ultrasound, to screen for potential underlying anomalies.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core question: The question asks for an accurate description of the components of fetal circulation.
Recall the basic anatomy of the umbilical cord. A helpful mnemonic is 'AVA,' which stands for 'Artery-Vein-Artery,' representing the two arteries and one vein.
Evaluate the options based on this anatomical fact. Option C ('Two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein') directly matches this knowledge.
Analyze the other options to confirm your choice. Options A and B incorrectly describe the type of blood carried by fetal arteries and veins, which is opposite to adult circulation. Option D incorrectly states the number of vessels.
Conclude that the statement correctly describing the number of vessels is the most accurate and complete answer among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Anatomy and physiology of fetal circulation, specifically the composition of the umbilical cord.
Stem keywords: fetal circulation, prenatal visit, umbilical arteries, umbilical vein
Lead-in keywords: accurately tells, consists of

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 1027-1029

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