A 16-year-old is brought to the emergency room by her boyfriend with bruising around her eyes and neck.
When asked what happened, she states, "I walked into a door.”. What are the most appropriate interventions by the nurse?

Choice A rationale

Elevated AFP levels are not typically associated with Down syndrome. In fact, pregnancies with Down syndrome often show decreased levels of AFP in maternal serum screening. AFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver, and its levels vary depending on developmental abnormalities like neural tube defects, not chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome.

Choice B rationale

Elevated AFP levels in a pregnant patient indicate potential neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Spina bifida results from incomplete closure of the fetal neural tube during early pregnancy, leading to exposure of neural tissues. AFP leaks into the maternal serum through this defect, thus raising its concentration significantly, which serves as a marker.

Choice C rationale

AFP levels are generally low in cases of Down syndrome due to chromosomal anomalies. Trisomy 21 pregnancies display distinctive serum markers, including decreased AFP. Elevated AFP does not signify Down syndrome because the pathology involves a different spectrum of physiological abnormalities.

Choice D rationale

While spina bifida is indeed a condition associated with elevated AFP, this statement is less accurate due to the phrasing. AFP elevations serve as an indicator rather than definitive confirmation of spina bifida. Further diagnostic tests like ultrasonography or amniocentesis are needed to confirm the condition.

Choice A rationale

Massaging the fundus is the first-line intervention when the fundus is soft and spongy, indicating uterine atony. Massage stimulates uterine contractions, reducing postpartum bleeding and restoring uterine tone, which is crucial to prevent hemorrhage.

Choice B rationale

Notifying the healthcare provider is necessary if initial interventions fail to address uterine atony. However, immediate action such as massaging the fundus should be taken first to minimize bleeding risks and stabilize the client.

Choice C rationale

Documenting fundal height and consistency is important but not an immediate intervention. Recording observations without addressing the atony fails to prevent potential complications like postpartum hemorrhage, which requires prompt and active management.

Choice D rationale

Administering Oxytocin as per MD orders aids uterine contraction but is not the first intervention. Massaging the fundus provides immediate mechanical stimulation to contract the uterus, a vital step before pharmacological measures are considered.