A nurse in labor and delivery is caring for a client. Following the delivery of the placenta, the nurse examines the umbilical cord.
Which of the following vessels should the nurse expect to observe in the umbilical cord?

Choice A rationale
Preparing the abdominal and perineal areas is not the priority nursing action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. This type of bleeding is suggestive of placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery. While preparing the abdominal and perineal areas may be necessary in preparation for delivery, it is not the immediate priority.
Choice B rationale
Initiating IV access is the priority nursing action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. This type of bleeding is suggestive of placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery. IV access allows for rapid administration of fluids and medications, which may be necessary to stabilize the client’s condition.
Choice C rationale
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority nursing action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. While a urinary catheter may be necessary in preparation for delivery or surgery, it is not the immediate priority.
Choice D rationale
Witnessing the signature for informed consent for surgery is not the priority nursing action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. While obtaining informed consent may be necessary before performing certain procedures or surgeries, it is not the immediate priority.

Choice A rationale
Estrogen is a hormone that plays a crucial role in pregnancy. It helps develop the placenta and triggers increased blood volume and flow throughout pregnancy. However, it is not the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a key role in labor and breastfeeding. It causes contractions during labor and helps eject milk during breastfeeding. However, it is not the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It is made almost exclusively in the placenta and its main function is to maintain the corpus luteum in the ovary and stimulate it to produce progesterone. However, hCG itself is not the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Progesterone is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy. It prevents the uterine muscles from contracting prematurely, which could lead to a miscarriage or preterm birth.