Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

In the interpretation of cord blood gas samples, oxygen levels are higher in the umbilical vein. The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus, which is essential for fetal development. The placental circulation is responsible for providing the fetus with oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.

As blood travels from the placenta through the umbilical vein, it becomes rich in oxygen due to the exchange processes that occur in the placenta. This oxygenated blood then circulates to the fetus, supplying the developing tissues and organs with the necessary oxygen needed for growth and development.

In contrast, the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus back to the placenta, where carbon dioxide and waste products are expelled and oxygen is replenished. Hence, the oxygen levels in the umbilical arteries are lower than those in the umbilical vein. Understanding this distinction is crucial for interpreting cord blood gases and assessing fetal well-being.