The presence of abnormal blood vessels in the cord suggests the baby is likely to have:
A. Erb’s Palsy
B. Erythroblastosis fetalis
C. Congenital defect
D. Respiratory distress syndrome
Correct Answer: C. Congenital defect
Explanation
Question:
The presence of abnormal blood vessels in the umbilical cord suggests the baby is likely to have — explain.
Explanation
Normally, the umbilical cord contains three blood vessels:
- Two umbilical arteries
- One umbilical vein
These vessels are responsible for carrying:
- Oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus (via the vein)
- Waste products and deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta (via the arteries)
Abnormal blood vessels in the cord
The most common abnormality is a Single Umbilical Artery (SUA), where:
- There is only one artery instead of two
- The cord has two vessels (1 artery + 1 vein) instead of three
What does this suggest?
The presence of abnormal blood vessels in the umbilical cord suggests that the baby is likely to have a congenital defect (congenital anomaly).
Why congenital defects are associated
- Abnormal vessel development often occurs along with abnormal organ development
- Single umbilical artery is commonly associated with:
- Cardiac defects
- Renal (kidney) anomalies
- Gastrointestinal abnormalities
- Chromosomal disorders (in some cases)
Conclusion
✅ Correct answer: Congenital defect
In summary:
Abnormal blood vessels in the umbilical cord indicate disturbed fetal development and are strongly associated with congenital anomalies in the baby.
Other Options Details
Here is a clear explanation of all the given options, commonly asked in obstetrics & neonatal nursing exams:
A. Erb’s palsy
- Definition: A birth injury caused by damage to the brachial plexus nerves (C5–C6).
- Cause: Difficult or prolonged labor, shoulder dystocia, excessive traction during delivery.
- Features:
- Weakness or paralysis of the arm
- Arm hangs by the side, internally rotated
- Absent Moro reflex on affected side
- Key point: It is a nerve injury, not a blood or lung disorder.
B. Erythroblastosis fetalis
- Definition: A hemolytic disease of the newborn caused by Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus.
- Cause: Rh-negative mother and Rh-positive fetus → maternal antibodies destroy fetal RBCs.
- Features:
- Severe anemia
- Jaundice
- Hepatosplenomegaly
- Hydrops fetalis in severe cases
- Key point: It is a blood disorder due to immune reaction.
C. Congenital defect
- Definition: Structural or functional abnormalities present at birth.
- Causes:
- Genetic factors
- Infections (e.g., rubella)
- Drugs, radiation
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Examples:
- Cleft lip/palate
- Congenital heart disease
- Neural tube defects
- Key point: It is a general term for birth abnormalities.
D. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
- Definition: A lung disorder in newborns due to surfactant deficiency.
- Common in: Premature babies
- Cause: Immature lungs → alveolar collapse.
- Features:
- Rapid breathing
- Chest retractions
- Cyanosis
- Grunting respiration
- Key point: It is a respiratory condition, mainly in preterm infants.
Summary Table
Option System affected Main cause Erb’s palsy Nervous system Birth trauma Erythroblastosis fetalis Blood Rh incompatibility Congenital defect Any system Genetic / environmental Respiratory distress syndrome Lungs Surfactant deficiency
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group