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A nurse is counseling a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation who is at risk for preterm delivery. The nurse explains the role of pulmonary surfactant in fetal lung maturity. Which of the following statements best demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of surfactant's production, function, and clinical significance?

The surfactant layer increases alveolar surface tension to stabilize the alveoli during both inhalation and exhalation, preventing overexpansion of the lungs and ensuring steady oxygen diffusion.

Surfactant is secreted continuously from the fetal trachea throughout gestation to lubricate airways and enhance mucus clearance, facilitating respiratory function immediately after birth.

Surfactant production peaks at 20 weeks gestation and remains stable throughout pregnancy: therefore, preterm infants born after this point typically do not experience respiratory complications related to lung immaturity.

Pulmonary surfactant production begins between 24 to 28 weeks gestation, primarily from type II alveolar cells: its primary role is to lower alveolar surface tension, preventing atelectasis and promoting lung compliance, which is critical for effective gas exchange after birth.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. surfactant actually reduces alveolar surface tension, allowing alveoli to expand more easily during inhalation and preventing collapse during exhalation, rather than increasing tension.

B. Surfactant is not primarily for airway lubrication or mucus clearance. Its main role is to lower alveolar surface tension to prevent collapse and facilitate lung compliance.

C. Surfactant production does not peak at 20 weeks. It begins around 24 weeks, with significant amounts produced after 32–34 weeks, which is why preterm infants are at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome.

D. This statement accurately describes the timing of surfactant production, the source (type II alveolar cells), its physiological function, and its clinical significance in preventing respiratory distress in neonates.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "This probably means that you're pregnant.": A rise in basal body temperature occurs after ovulation due to progesterone release, not pregnancy itself. If temperature has not increased, ovulation likely did not occur, making pregnancy improbable in this cycle.

B. "You probably didn't ovulate during this cycle.": The BBT method tracks ovulation by detecting a 0.3–0.6°C (0.5–1.0°F) temperature rise after ovulation. If no rise is noted before menstruation, it suggests an anovulatory cycle in which ovulation did not take place.

C. "Have you been sick this month?": Illness can temporarily affect BBT readings, but the absence of any rise throughout the cycle more strongly indicates lack of ovulation. Asking about illness may be useful but does not directly explain a consistently low temperature pattern.

D. "Don't worry: it's probably nothing.": Dismissing the concern is inappropriate and nontherapeutic. The nurse should provide education on possible anovulatory cycles and encourage continued charting or further evaluation if irregular patterns persist.

A. voluntary bearing down efforts. B. the shape of the woman's bony pelvis. C. antibiotic administration for a GBS + patient. D. size of the fetal head. E. presentation of the fetus.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Voluntary bearing down efforts: The strength, timing, and coordination of the mother's pushing efforts significantly affect fetal descent and the progress of the second stage of labor. Ineffective bearing down can delay birth, while effective efforts promote smoother fetal expulsion.

B. The shape of the woman's bony pelvis: Pelvic shape and dimensions determine how easily the fetal head can pass through the birth canal. A gynecoid pelvis is most favorable, whereas android or platypelloid types can impede progress and increase labor complications.

C. Antibiotic administration for a GBS + patient: While antibiotics are essential for preventing neonatal infection, they do not influence the physical mechanics or progression of labor. Their purpose is prophylactic rather than to affect the labor process itself.

D. Size of the fetal head: A large fetal head relative to the maternal pelvis can lead to cephalopelvic disproportion, slowing or arresting labor progress. Optimal fit between fetal head size and pelvic dimensions promotes efficient descent and delivery.

E. Presentation of the fetus: The way the fetus enters the pelvis—whether cephalic, breech, or face presentation—directly affects labor progression. Cephalic presentation, especially occiput anterior, allows for smoother navigation through the pelvis.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A woman is using the basal body temperature (BBT) method of contraception. She calls the clinic and tells the nurse. "My period is due in a few days, and my temperature has not gone up." The nurse's most appropriate response is

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse caring for a patient in labor knows factors that affect the progression of labor and birth are: Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in her first trimester of pregnancy and asks the nurse if she can continue to exercise during pregnancy. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Read Chart Tab with patient history and select all that apply. Based on the client's history and preferences, which contraceptive methods would be most appropriate for the nurse to recommend? (Select All that Apply).

Read the case scenario and Select All That Apply Using your clinical judgment, how should the nurse respond to this patient? Select All the best responses. (Select All that Apply.)

A client presents to the clinic reporting a missed period and a positive home pregnancy test. The nurse explains the mechanism of pregnancy tests detect the presence of _________ in urine or blood.

A nurse is educating a pregnant client about striae gravidarum. Which statement best explains the pathophysiology and risk factors associated with the development of these skin changes during pregnancy?

Which interventions would help alleviate the problems associated with access to health care for maternity patients? (Select all that apply.)

Prenatal testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is recommended for