Question

As relates to the structure and function of the placenta, the maternity nurse should be aware that:

A) Optimal blood circulation is achieved through the placenta when the woman is lying on her back or standing.
B) As one of its early functions, the placenta acts as an endocrine gland.
C) As the placenta widens, it gradually thins to allow easier passage of air and nutrients.
D) The placenta is able to keep out most potentially toxic substances such as cigarette smoke to which the mother is exposed.

Answer 1

The placenta serves as an endocrine gland among its other functions and provides vital exchange of substances between mother and fetus. Optimal blood circulation is not achieved by lying on the back or standing, and the placenta is not fully protective against all toxic substances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structure and function of the placenta are crucial for the health of both the fetus and the mother during pregnancy. The correct choice is B) As one of its early functions, the placenta acts as an endocrine gland. As a fully-developed organ, the placenta provides nutrition, excretion, respiration, and endocrine functions, involving the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and wastes between the mother and the fetus.

Optimal blood circulation through the placenta is actually achieved when the pregnant person is lying on her side, not her back or standing, which can cause compression of major blood vessels and restrict circulation. The placenta does not gradually thin to an extent that would have functional significance for air and nutrient passage at its optimal width. While the placenta does filter out some substances through its layers, it is not completely impermeable to all potentially toxic substances, including elements of cigarette smoke, some of which can cross the placental barrier and potentially harm the fetus.