Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 48

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The nurse practicing in a maternity setting recognizes that the postmature fetus is at risk due to:

  

     A. Excessive fetal weight

     B. Low blood sugar levels

     C. Depletion of subcutaneous fat

     D. Progressive placental insufficiency

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Progressive placental insufficiency

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Postmature or post-term pregnancy is a prolonged pregnancy that exceeds the limits of 38 to 42 weeks (normal term pregnancy). Infants of such pregnancy are considered postmature or dysmature if there is evidence that placental insufficiency has occurred and interfered with fetal growth. It occurs in 12% of all pregnancies. The placenta loses its adequacy to function after 42 weeks, after which it acquires calcium deposits which decrease the blood perfusion, supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

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Options A, B, & C: Excessive fetal weight, hypoglycemia, and depletion of subcutaneous fat are all observed in a postmature fetus.

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