Fetal Health Surveillance Practice Exam 2026 – The Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The correct selection highlights the significant components influencing fetal acid-base status, particularly emphasizing placental function and umbilical cord considerations, which are vital in maintaining a healthy environment for the fetus.

Placental function is crucial because it serves as the interface between the mother and fetus, facilitating the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products. This exchange helps to regulate the acid-base balance in the fetal blood. If placental function is compromised, it can lead to inadequate oxygenation and nutrient delivery, resulting in potential acid-base disturbances in the fetus.

The umbilical cord is equally important, as it is responsible for transmitting oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus and returning deoxygenated blood back to the placenta. Issues such as cord compression or anomalies can hinder this circulation, thereby affecting the fetus's ability to maintain proper acid-base status.

While factors like maternal nutrition and stress might have indirect effects on fetal health, the direct relationship of placental function and umbilical cord integrity with acid-base balance is more pronounced and critical during pregnancy. This makes the selection of placental function and umbilical cord highly relevant in understanding fetal acid-base status.