Which statement indicates a need for further education regarding the purpose of the placenta?

The statement that suggests a need for further education about the purpose of the placenta is the one regarding the maintenance of the baby's body temperature. This is not one of the primary functions of the placenta.

The placenta's main roles include facilitating nutrient exchange, such as glucose, vitamins, and electrolytes, which is accurately described in the other statements. Antibodies can be passed from the mother to the fetus through the placenta, providing some immune protection. Additionally, the placenta plays a critical role in gas exchange, allowing oxygen to reach the baby and carbon dioxide to be removed. However, the regulation of body temperature is primarily managed by the fetus's own physiological mechanisms and the surrounding amniotic fluid, rather than by the placenta itself. Thus, the statement about body temperature maintenance highlights a misunderstanding of the placenta's functions.