A nurse is collecting data from a newborn who has respiratory distress syndrome and is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which of the following risk factors predisposes the newborn to respiratory difficulties?

Choice A reason:

Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus is not a sign of placenta previa, but rather of bloody show, which is a normal occurrence in late pregnancy as the cervix begins to dilate and efface.

Choice B reason:

Abdominal pain with minimal red vaginal bleeding is not a sign of placenta previa, but rather of abruptio placentae, which is a serious complication where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before delivery.

Choice C reason:

A large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding without pain is a sign of placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervical opening. This can cause bleeding when the cervix dilates or contracts, especially in the third trimester. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Choice D reason:

Severe abdominal pain with increasing fundal height is not a sign of placenta previa, but rather of uterine rupture, which is a rare but life-threatening complication where the uterus tears open along the scar line from a previous cesarean delivery or other uterine surgery. This can cause severe bleeding, fetal distress, and shock.

Choice A:

Two arteries and two veins. This is incorrect because the umbilical cord normally has only three blood vessels: one vein and two arteries. Having four blood vessels is a rare anomaly that can be associated with congenital defects. •

Choice B:

Two veins and one artery. This is incorrect because the umbilical cord normally has only one vein and two arteries. Having two veins and one artery is another rare anomaly that can also be associated with congenital defects. •

Choice C:

One artery and one vein. This is incorrect because the umbilical cord normally has two arteries and one vein. Having only one artery and one vein is a common anomaly that occurs in about 1% of singleton pregnancies and 5% of twin pregnancies. It can be associated with intrauterine growth restriction, congenital anomalies, and perinatal mortality. •

Choice D:

Two arteries and one vein. This is correct because the umbilical cord normally has two arteries and one vein. The vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus, while the arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta. The umbilical cord also contains Wharton's jelly, which is a gelatinous substance that protects the blood vessels from compression.