Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN) Practice Test

Which of the following conditions is NOT associated with nodules or plaques on the fetal surface of the placenta?

1. Infection

2. Oligohydramnios

3. Exposure to meconium

4. Renal agenesis

The correct answer is: Exposure to meconium

The presence of nodules or plaques on the fetal surface of the placenta can be associated with various conditions, primarily involving the health of the fetus and the pregnancy itself. Infections, such as fetal infections from pathogens like cytomegalovirus or syphilis, can lead to inflammatory responses that may manifest as nodules or plaques on the placenta's surface. Oligohydramnios, which refers to low amniotic fluid levels, can also be linked to abnormal placental findings, as reduced fluid can affect the overall placental health and morphology. Renal agenesis, a condition characterized by the absence of one or both kidneys in the fetus, can contribute to oligohydramnios due to reduced urine production by the fetus, which is a significant component of amniotic fluid. The decrease in fluid can lead to structural changes on the placental surface. In contrast, exposure to meconium, while it can indicate fetal distress or complications, is not typically associated with the development of nodules or plaques on the placenta. Meconium is the first stool of a newborn and can be found in the amniotic fluid during pregnancy but does not usually cause changes to the placental tissue itself in the form of nodules or plaques