Chapter 3
1. When describing the menstrual cycle to a group of young women, the nurse explains
that estrogen levels are highest during which phase of the endometrial cycle?
A. menstrual
B. proliferative
C. secretory
D. ischemic
Answer: B
Rationale: Estrogen levels are the highest during the proliferative phase of the endometrial cycle,
when the endometrial glands enlarge in response to increasing amounts of estrogen.
Progesterone is the predominant hormone of the secretory phase. Levels of estrogen and
progesterone drop sharply during the ischemic phase and fall during the menstrual phase.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Understand
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 104
2. After teaching a group of adolescent girls about female reproductive development, the
nurse determines that teaching was successful when the girls state that menarche is defined as
a woman's first:
A. sexual experience.
B. full hormonal cycle.
C. menstrual period.
D. sign of breast development.
Answer: C
Rationale: Menarche is defined as the establishment of menstruation. It does not refer to the
woman's first sexual experience, full hormonal cycle, or sign of breast development.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 104
3. A client with a 28-day cycle reports that she ovulated on May 10. When would the
nurse expect the client's next menses to begin?
A. May 24
B. May 26
C. May 30
D. June 1
Answer:
Rationale: For a woman with a 28-day cycle, ovulation typically occurs on day 14. Therefore,
her next menses would begin 14 days later, on May 24.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 102
4. The nurse is assessing a 13-year-old girl. Which event would the nurse expect to
have occurred first?
A. evidence of pubic hair
B. development of breast buds
C. onset of menses
D. growth
spurt Answer:
Rationale: Pubertal events preceding the first menses have an orderly progression beginning with
the development of breast buds, followed by the appearance of pubic hair, then axillary hair, then
a growth spurt. Menses typically occurs about 2 years after the start of breast development.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 104
5. The nurse is preparing an outline for a class on the physiology of the male sexual
response. Which event would the nurse identify as occurring first?
A. sperm emission
B. penile vasodilation
C. psychological release
D. ejaculation
Answer: B
Rationale: With sexual stimulation, the arteries leading to the penis dilate and increase blood
flow into erectile tissue. Blood accumulates, causing the penis to swell and elongate. Sperm
emission (movement of sperm from the testes and fluid from the accessory glands) occurs with
orgasm. Orgasm results in a pleasurable feeling of physiologic and psychological release.
Ejaculation results in the discharge of semen from the urethra.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 109
6. A woman comes to the clinic reporting that she has little sexual desire. As part of the
client's evaluation, the nurse would anticipate the need to evaluate which hormone level?
A. progesterone
B. estrogen
C. gonadotropin-releasing hormone
D. testosterone
Answer: D
Rationale: Testosterone is thought to be the hormone of sexual desire in women. Thus, an
evaluation of this level would be done. Progesterone is often called the hormone of pregnancy
because of its calming effect (reduction in uterine contractions) on the uterus, allowing
pregnancy to be maintained. Estrogen is the predominant hormone at the end of the follicular
phase. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone induces the release of FSH and LH to assist with
ovulation.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
Reference: p. 101
7. A school nurse who is teaching a health course at the local high school is presenting
information on human development and sexuality. When talking about the role of hormones
in sexual development, which hormone does the nurse teach the class is the most important
for developing and maintaining the female reproductive organs?
A. estrogen
B. progesterone
C. androgens
D. follicle-stimulating
hormone Answer: A
Rationale: Estrogens are responsible for developing and maintaining the female reproductive
organs. Progesterone is the most important hormone for conditioning the endometrium in
preparation for implantation of the fertilized ovum. Androgens, secreted by the ovaries in small
amounts, are involved in the early development of the follicle and affect the female libido.
Follicle-stimulating hormone is responsible for stimulating the ovaries to secrete estrogen.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 105
8. After explaining the function of the seminal vesicles to a class, the instructor determines the
need for additional teaching when the students identify which action as a function of the
seminal vesicles?
A. nourishes the sperm
B. reduces sperm motility
C. aids sperm to reach the ovum
D. prevents sperm destruction by female
antibodies Answer: B
Rationale: The seminal vesicles are a pair of glands that produce fluid with various substances
that function to (1) nourish sperm, (2) enhance sperm motility by enzymatically liquefying
ejaculated semen (3) stimulate contraction of the uterus to help the sperm reach the ovum, and
(4) resist sperm destruction by female antibodies.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 108
9. The nurse is reviewing the process of oocyte maturation and ovulation with a client.
What occurs during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle that the nurse should include in
the teaching session?
A. Under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, several follicles begin to ripen, and
the ovum with each begins to mature.
B. The empty ruptured graafian follicle becomes the corpus luteum, and it begins to
secrete progesterone and estrogen.
C. About day 14, a surge of hormones cause the ovum to burst through the ovary.
D. The uterus prepares for implantation of an ovum.
Answer: A
Rationale: The follicular phase lasts from about day 4 to about day 14. During this time, under
the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, several follicles begin to ripen and the ovum
within each begins to mature. About day 14, a surge of hormones causes the ovum to burst
through the ovary; this act is called ovulation. During the luteal phase, the empty, ruptured
graafian follicle becomes the corpus luteum, and it begins to secrete progesterone and estrogen.
The endometrium of the uterus has a similar cycle. It is called the uterine cycle or endometrial
cycle. This process prepares the uterus for implantation of an ovum (egg).
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 102
10. The nurse is reviewing the process of egg maturation and ovulation with a client. What
occurs during ovulation in the ovarian cycle that the nurse should include in the teaching
session with the client?
A. Under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, several follicles begin to ripen, and
the ovum with each begins to mature.
B. The empty ruptured cavity in the ovary becomes the corpus luteum and begins to
secrete progesterone and estrogen.
C. About day 14, a surge of hormones cause the ovum to burst through the ovary.
D. The uterus is prepared for implantation of an ovum.
Answer: C
Rationale: The follicular phase lasts from about day 4 to about day 14. During this time, under
the influence of FSH, several follicles begin to ripen, and the ovum within each begins to
mature. About day 14, a surge of hormones causes the ovum to burst through the ovary. This act
is called ovulation. During the luteal phase, the empty, ruptured graafian follicle becomes the
corpus luteum and begins to secrete progesterone and estrogen. The endometrium of the uterus
has a similar cycle. It is called the uterine cycle or endometrial cycle. This process prepares the
uterus for implantation of an ovum (egg).
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 103
11. A nurse is conducting a class for a group of teenage girls about female reproductive
anatomy and physiology. Which structures would the nurse include as an external female
reproductive organ? Select all that apply.
A. mons pubis
B. labia
C. vagina
D. clitoris
E. uterus
Answer: A, B,
Rationale: The external female reproductive organs collectively are called the vulva (which
means "covering" in Latin). The vulva serves to protect the urethral and vaginal openings and is
highly sensitive to touch to increase the female's pleasure during sexual arousal (Stables &
Rankin, 2010). The structures that make up the vulva include the mons pubis, the labia majora
and minora, the clitoris, the structures within the vestibule, and the perineum. The vagina and
uterus are internal female reproductive organs.
Question format: Multiple Select
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 96
12. A woman comes to the clinic for an evaluation. During the visit, the woman tells the nurse
that her menstrual cycles have become irregular. "I've also been waking up at night feeling
really hot and sweating. The nurse interprets these findings as:
A. menopause.
B. perimenopause.
C. climacteric.
D. menarche.
Answer: B
Rationale: Perimenopause is the time period occurring 2 to 8 years prior to menopause during
which women may experience physical changes associated with decreasing estrogen levels,
which may include vasomotor symptoms of hot flashes, irregular menstrual cycles, sleep
disruptions, forgetfulness, irritability, mood disturbances, decreased vaginal lubrication, night
sweats, fatigue, vaginal atrophy, and depression (Burbos & Morris, 2011). Vasomotor
symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) are the most common complaints for which women
seek treatment. Menopause or climacteric is defined as 1 year without a menstrual period.
Menarche refers to the onset of the first menses.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 106
13. A nurse is examining a female client and tests the client's vaginal pH. Which finding
would the nurse interpret as normal?
A. 4.5
B. 7
C. 8.5
D. 10
Answer: A
Rationale: The vagina has an acidic environment; therefore, a pH of 4.5 would indicate an acidic
environment. A pH of 7 is considered neutral; a pH above 7 is considered alkaline.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 97-98
14. When describing the male sexual response to a group of students, the instructor
determines that the teaching was successful when they identify emission as:
A. semen forced through the urethra to the outside.
B. movement of sperm from the testes and fluid into the urethras.
C. dilation of the penile arteries with increased blood flow to the tissues.
D. body's return to the physiologic nonstimulated state.
Answer: B
Rationale: Emission refers to the movement of sperm from the testes and fluids from the
accessory glands into the urethra, where it is mixed to form semen. As the urethra fills with
semen, the base of the erect penis contracts, thus increases pressure. This pressure forces the
semen through the urethra to the outside (ejaculation). Dilation of the penile arteries with
increased blood flow describes erection. The body's return to the physiologic nonstimulated state
describes resolution.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 109
15. A nurse is describing the structure and function of the reproductive system to an
adolescent health class. How would the nurse describe the secretion of the seminal vesicles?
A. mucus-like
B. alkaline
C. acidic
D. semen
Answer:
Rationale: The paired seminal vesicles secrete an alkaline fluid that contains fructose and
prostaglandins. The fructose supplies energy to the sperm on its journey to meet the ovum, and
the prostaglandins assist in sperm mobility. The Cowper's glands secrete a mucus-like fluid. The
vagina is an acidic environment. Semen refers to the sperm-containing fluid.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 108
16. A nurse is completing a continuing education program about the male and female
reproductive organs. After reviewing the information, the nurse demonstrates understanding of
the information by identifying which structures as male accessory organs? Select all that
apply.
A. testes
B. vas deferens
C. bulbourethral glands
D. prostate gland
E. penis
Answer: B, C, D
Rationale: The organs of the male reproductive system include the two testes (where sperm cells
and testosterone are made), the penis, the scrotum, and the accessory organs (epididymis, vas
deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory duct, urethra, bulbourethral glands, and prostate gland).
Question format: Multiple Select
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 108
17. A woman is diagnosed with a vaginal infection. After teaching the client about measures
to reduce her risk, the nurse determines that the client needs additional teaching when she
states which factor as increasing her risk?
A. antibiotic therapy
B. menstruation
C. douching
D. use of feminine hygiene
sprays Answer: B
Rationale: The vagina has an acidic environment, which protects it against ascending infections.
Antibiotic therapy, douching, perineal hygiene sprays, and deodorants upset the acid balance
within the vaginal environment and can predispose women to infections. Menstruation is not
considered a risk factor.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 97-98
18. A nurse is describing the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle to a group of young
adult women who are planning to get pregnant. The nurse determines the teaching was
successful when the group identifies the follicle-stimulating hormone as being secreted by the:
A. hypothalamus.
B. anterior pituitary gland.
C. ovaries.
D. corpus lute.
Answer: B
Rationale: Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are secreted by the anterior
pituitary gland. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone. The ovaries secrete
estrogen. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 105
19. A nurse has been invited to be a guest speaker for a female high school health class about
the menstrual cycle and reproduction. When describing the hormones involved in the menstrual
cycle, a nurse identifies which hormone as responsible for initiating the cycle?
A. estrogen
B. luteinizing hormone
C. progesterone
D. prolactin
Answer: B
Rationale: With the initiation of the menstrual cycle, luteinizing hormone rises and stimulates
the follicle to produce estrogen. As this hormone is produced by the follicle, estrogen levels rise,
inhibiting the output of LH. Ovulation occurs after an LH surge damages the estrogen-producing
cells leading to a decline in estrogen. The LH surge results in the corpus luteum, which produces
estrogen and progesterone. These two levels rise, suppressing LH. Lack of LH promotes
degeneration of the corpus luteum, which then leads to a decline in estrogen and progesterone.
The decline of ovarian hormones ends their negative effect on the secretion of LH, which is then
secreted and the menstrual cycle begins again. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for breast
milk production.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 103
20. After teaching a group of adolescents about female reproductive anatomy, the nurse
determines that the teaching was successful when the adolescents identify which structure as
the site of fertilization?
A. vagina
B. uterus
C. fallopian tubes
D. vestibule
Answer: C
Rationale: Fertilization occurs in the distal portion of the fallopian tubes. The lining of the uterus
is shed with menstruation. The vagina connects the external genitalia to the uterus. The vestibule
is an oval area enclosed by the labia minora laterally.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 100
21. The nurse is assessing a 12-year-old girl who has had her first menses. When reviewing
the client's history, which event would the nurse expect to have most likely occurred last?
A. evidence of pubic hair
B. breast bud development
C. growth spurt
D. onset of
menses Answer: D
Rationale: Pubertal events preceding the first menses have an orderly progression beginning with
the development of breast buds, followed by the appearance of pubic hair, then axillary hair, then
a growth spurt. Menses typically occurs about 2 years after the start of breast development.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Apply
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 104
22. After teaching a group of pregnant women about breastfeeding, the nurse determines that
the teaching was successful when the group identifies which hormone as being inhibited during
pregnancy but is important for the production of breast milk after birth?
A. placental estrogen
B. progesterone
C. gonadotropin-releasing hormone
D. prolactin
Answer: D
Rationale: Following birth and the expulsion of the placenta, levels of placental hormones
(progesterone and lactogen) fall rapidly, and the action of prolactin (milk-producing hormone) is
no longer inhibited. Prolactin stimulates the production of milk within a few days after birth.
Placental estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development of the mammary glands during
pregnancy. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone induces the release of follicle-stimulating hormone
and luteinizing hormone to assist with ovulation.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Analyze
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Reference: p. 100
23. A nurse is asked to be a guest speaker for a parents' meeting at the local middle school. Part
of the presentation is to focus on the events girls will experience when going through puberty.
Place the events in the order that the nurse would address them, from first to last. Use all
options.
A. Development of the breast
B. Appearance of pubic hair
C. Appearance of axillary hair
D. Growth spurt
E. Menstruation
Answer: A, B, C, D,
Rationale: Pubertal events preceding the first menses have an orderly progression: thelarche, the
development of breast buds; adrenarche, the appearance of pubic and then axillary hair followed
by a growth spurt; and menarche (occurring about 2 years after the start of breast development).
Question format: Drag and Drop
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Remember
Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance Integrated Process:
Teaching/Learning Reference: p. 104
24. When teaching a group of female adolescents about reproduction and reproductive
organs, the nurse describes the vulva. Which structure(s) would the nurse identify as being
included? Select all that apply.
A. Mons pubis
B. Labia
C. Clitoris
D. Vagina
E. Fallopian
tubes Answer: A,
B, C
Rationale: The structures that make up the vulva include the mons pubis, the labia majora and
minora, the clitoris and prepuce, the structures within the vestibule, and the perineum. The
vagina and fallopian tubes are internal reproductive structures.
Question format: Multiple Select
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Remember
Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance Integrated Process:
Teaching/Learning Reference: p. 96
25. A nurse is teaching a group of female adolescents and young adult females about the female
sexual response. The nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the group
identifies which structure as being most erotically sensitive?
A. Labia minora
B. Clitoris
C. Mons pubis
D. Prepuce
Answer: B
Rationale: The clitoris is sensitive to touch, stimulation, and temperature and can become erect.
For its small size, 9 to 11 cm, it has a generous blood and nerve supply. There are more free
nerve endings of sensory reception located on the clitoris than on any other part of the body, and
it is therefore unsurprisingly the most erotically sensitive part of the genitalia for most females.
Its function is sexual stimulation. The labia minora lubricate the vulva, swell in response to
stimulation, and are highly sensitive. However, they are not the most sensitive. The mons pubis
protects the symphysis pubis during sexual [Link] joining of the folds above the clitoris
forms the prepuce, a hood-like covering over the clitoris.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Remember
Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance Integrated Process:
Teaching/Learning Reference: p. 97
26. A nurse is assessing a 49-year-old client who has come to the clinic for her annual physical
exam. The client tells the nurse, "I usually sleep about 8 hours a night without any problems but
there are some nights where I wake up drenched in perspiration. And some days I feel on edge
for no apparent reason." Additional assessment reveals use of a vaginal lubricant during sexual
intercourse. The client also reports occasional flatus without constipation or bloating and
continuation of her menstrual cycle every 32 days with a moderate flow. The nurse suspects
that the client may be perimenopausal based on which finding(s)? Select all that apply.
A. Reports of night sweats
B. Unexplained irritabilty
C. Use of vaginal lubrication
D. Absence of bloating
E. Expanded length of menstrual
cycle Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: During the perimenopausal years (2 to 8 years prior to menopause), women may
experience physical changes associated with decreasing estrogen levels, which may include
vasomotor symptoms of hot flashes, irregular menstrual cycles, sleep disruptions, forgetfulness,
irritability, mood disturbances, decreased fertility, weight gain and bloating, changing bleeding
patterns, headaches, decreased vaginal lubrication, night sweats, fatigue, vaginal atrophy, and
depression.
Question format: Multiple Select
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Understand
Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Integrated Process: Nursing Process
Reference: p. 106
27. A nurse is conducting a health class about the reproductive system for a group of high school
students. The nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which
structure(s) as part of the external male reproductive system? Select all that apply.
A. Penis
B. Scrotum
C. Prostate gland
D. Vas deferens
E. Seminal
vesicles Answer:
A, B
Rationale: The penis and the scrotum form the external genitalia in the male. The prostate gland,
vas deferens, and seminal vesicles are internal male genitalia.
Question format: Multiple Select
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Remember
Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance Integrated Process:
Teaching/Learning Reference: p. 107
28. A nurse is preparing a presentation for a group of young adults about the sexual
response cycle. Place the events in the sequence that they would occur. Use all options.
A. Desire
B. Excitement
C. Plateau
D. Orgasm
E. Resolution
Answer: A, B, C, D,
E
Rationale: The sexual response cycle for males and females is as follows: Desire, excitement,
plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
Question format: Drag and Drop
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Remember
Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance Integrated Process:
Teaching/Learning Reference: p. 101
29. A nurse is discussing the changes in the breast that occur after birth to a group of pregnant
women. One woman says, "My friend who was breastfeeding told me that at first, her breast milk
was dark yellow." Which response by the nurse would be appropriate?
A. "That is called colostrum. It is rich in antiboides and proteins."
B. "That was just fluid that normally collects to make your breasts get bigger."
C. "Your friend probably had a mild infection in her milk ducts."
D. "The fluid is yellow because of the anesthesia your friend received."
Answer: A
Rationale: Prolactin stimulates the production of milk within a few days after childbirth, but in
the interim, dark yellow fluid called colostrum is secreted. Colostrum contains more minerals
and protein but less sugar and fat than mature breast milk. Colostrum secretion may continue for
approximately 1 week after child birth, with gradual conversion to mature milk. Colostrum is
rich in maternal antibodies, especially immunoglobulin A (IgA), which offers protection for the
newborn against enteric pathogens. Colostrum is not fluid that has collected during pregnancy
that causes breasts to enlarge, not a sign of infecton, or the result of anesthesia given.
Question format: Multiple Choice
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Understand
Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance Integrated Process:
Teaching/Learning Reference: p. 100
30. A nurse is teaching a group of adolescent males about the male reproductive system. The
nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the group identifies which
activity(ies) as a function of the testes? Select all that apply.
A. Sperm production
B. Testosterone production
C. Sperm transport
D. Seminal fluid production
E. Sperm
nourishment Answer:
A, B
Rationale: The testes have two functions: producing sperm and synthesizing testosterone (the
primary male sex hormone). Sperm is transported via the ductal system. Seminal fluid is
produced by the seminal vesicles. The seminal vesciles and the prostate gland produce fluid that
nourishes the sperm.
Question format: Multiple Select
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Remember
Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance Integrated Process:
Teaching/Learning Reference: p. 107
31. A nurse is conducting a presentation for a group of young adults who are considering
childbearing. As part of the class, the nurse describes semen as consisting of sperm and
which substance(s)? Select all that apply.
A. Prostatic fluid
B. Seminal fluid
C. Mucus from accessory glands
D. Prostate-specific antigen
E. Colostrum
Answer: A, B,
Rationale: During ejaculation, the ducts of the testes, epididymis, and vas deferens contract and
cause expulsion of sperm into the urethra, where the sperm mixes with the seminal and prostatic
fluids. These substances, together with mucus secreted by accessory glands, form the semen,
which is discharged from the urethra. Prostate-specific antigen is a glycoprotein that thins
semen. Colostrum is the dark yellow fluid that contains more minerals and protein but less sugar
and fat than mature breast milk. It is secreted by women for the first few days after childbirth.
Question format: Multiple Select
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System
Cognitive Level: Remember
Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance Integrated Process:
Teaching/Learning Reference: p. 109