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During the neonatal assessment of the umbilical cord, how many arteries and veins are normally present?

  1. 1 artery and 2 veins

  2. 2 arteries and 1 vein

  3. 3 arteries

  4. 3 veins

The correct answer is: 2 arteries and 1 vein

In a normal neonatal assessment, the umbilical cord typically contains two arteries and one vein. This configuration is vital as the two arteries are responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta, while the single vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta back to the fetus. Understanding this anatomical structure is crucial for EMTs as it aids in evaluating the newborn's health, especially in situations where there may be complications during birth or if the infant exhibits signs of distress. Identifying any abnormalities in the number of arteries or veins, such as the presence of only one artery, can indicate potential congenital issues that may need immediate medical attention.