An expectant mother says to the nurse, "When my sister's baby was born, it was covered in a cheese-like coating. What is the purpose of this coating?" The correct response by the nurse is to explain that the purpose of vernix caseosa is to
A) regulate fetal temperature.
B) protect the fetal skin from amniotic fluid.
C) promote normal peripheral nervous system development.
D) allow the transport of oxygen and nutrients across the amnion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid during the fetal period could result in breakdown of the skin without the protection of the vernix caseosa. The amniotic fluid aids in maintaining fetal temperature. Normal peripheral nervous system development is dependent on the nutritional intake of the mother. The amnion is the inner membrane that surrounds the fetus. It is not involved in the oxygen and nutrient exchange.

An Expectant Mother Says to the Nurse, "When My Sister's