Final answer:
The student nurses correctly identified that the fetus contributes to amniotic fluid volume by urinating into it and swallowing a significant amount daily. The importance of amniotic fluid for fetal lung development and as a protective environment is also recognized.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse is teaching a group of student nurses about amniotic fluid and its significance in fetal development. A correct understanding of the fetus's contribution to the quality of amniotic fluid is reflected in the student nurse's statements about the fluid dynamics involving the fetus. The fetus does indeed contribute to the amniotic fluid volume by excreting urine, and swallows a significant amount of this fluid within a day.
- "The fetus contributes to the volume of amniotic fluid by excreting urine." - This is true as the fetal kidneys start to function around eight weeks, adding urine to the amniotic fluid.
- "Approximately 400 mL of amniotic fluid flows out of the fetal lungs each day." - This should be understood as a reflection of the fluid that is 'inhaled' and 'exhaled' by the fetus as part of lung development, although the exact volume might vary.
- "The fetus swallows about 600 mL of the fluid in 24 hours." - Fetal swallowing of amniotic fluid is part of normal development and helps in the formation of meconium.
The last statement that a fetus can develop normally without any amniotic fluid is incorrect as amniotic fluid is essential for fetal development, allowing for protection and the free movement which is crucial for muscular and skeletal development.