During a prenatal examination,a client asks,"How does my baby get air?" The nurse would give correct information by saying:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During fetal development, the placenta acts as the organ of respiration, taking over the function of the fetal lungs by supplying oxygen and allowing the excretion of carbon dioxide into the mother's bloodstream through the umbilical cord. The fetus does not breathe air as the lungs are not functional until birth. Option A is incorrect as fetal lungs are not yet fully developed at this stage. Option C is also incorrect as the umbilical artery carries nutrient-rich blood from the mother to the fetus, and the oxygenated blood flows back to the placenta through the umbilical veins. Option D is incorrect as the hemoglobin concentration of pregnant women is not directly related to fetal oxygenation.

During a Prenatal Examination,a Client Asks,"How Does My Baby Get