Maternity Nursing Q 77

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The amniotic fluid of a client has a greenish tint. The nurse interprets this to be the result of which of the following?

  

     A. Lanugo

     B. Hydramnios

     C. Meconium

     D. Vernix

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Meconium

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The greenish tint is due to the presence of meconium. Meconium is a thick, green, tar-like substance that lines the baby’s intestines during pregnancy. Typically this substance is not released in the baby’s bowel movements until after birth. However, sometimes a baby will have a bowel movement prior to birth, excreting the meconium into the amniotic fluid.

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Option A: Lanugo is the soft, downy hair on the shoulders and back of the fetus. This downy, unpigmented hair is the first type of hair that grows from hair follicles. It can be found everywhere on a baby’s body, except on the palms, lips, and soles of the feet. Most fetuses develop lanugo around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy.

Option B: Hydramnios represents excessive amniotic fluid.

Option D: Vernix is the white, cheesy substance covering the fetus. It is produced by dedicated cells and is thought to have some protective roles during fetal development and for a few hours after birth.

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