Neonatal Nurse Practitioner NCC Practice Exam

Which statement best describes fetal circulation under the described conditions?

Is Fully Open With High Flow Due To Decreased PVR Is Constricted With Very Little Blood Flow Due To Increased PVR Is Unaffected By PVR Circulation Is Identical To Postnatal Circulation

Correct Answer:

Is Constricted With Very Little Blood Flow Due To Increased PVR

Explanation:

In fetal life, high pulmonary vascular resistance keeps the pulmonary vessels constricted, so blood flow to the lungs is very small. Oxygenation occurs via the placenta, and blood is directed away from the lungs through the fetal shunts—the foramen ovale and the ductus arteriosus—toward the systemic circulation. When PVR is increased, this pulmonary flow is further reduced, matching the description of a constricted circulation with very little blood passing through the lungs. The other statements don’t fit because they imply lower PVR with high flow, no effect of PVR on fetal flow, or a circulation identical to after birth.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to Neonatal Nurse Practitioner NCC Practice Exam for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions