A client asks the nurse about the significance of Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) results.
How should the nurse respond?
AFP results are diagnostic for fetal anomalies.
AFP results require further evaluation for confirmation.
AFP results can only detect neural tube defects.
AFP results are affected by maternal race and ethnicity.
The Correct Answer is B
AFP is a screening tool that can indicate the possibility of certain fetal anomalies, such as neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, or chromosomal abnormalities.
However, AFP results are not diagnostic and cannot confirm the presence or absence of these conditions.
Therefore, further tests, such as ultrasound or amniocentesis, are needed to verify the results.
Choice A is wrong because AFP results are not diagnostic for fetal anomalies.
They only indicate a risk level that needs to be confirmed by other tests.
Choice C is wrong because AFP results can detect not only neural tube defects, but also other fetal anomalies, such as abdominal wall defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
Choice D is wrong because AFP results are not affected by maternal race and ethnicity.
They are affected by maternal age, weight, diabetes, multiple gestation, and gestational age.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
An amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 4 cm indicates oligohydramnios, which is a low amount of amniotic fluid.
Oligohydramnios can be caused by various factors, such as uteroplacental insufficiency, rupture of membranes, postterm pregnancy, fetal anomalies, or certain medications.
Oligohydramnios can lead to complications such as fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction, limb contractures, or delayed lung maturation.
Choice A is wrong because an AFI of 8 cm is within the normal range for amniotic fluid volume.
Choice C is wrong because a single vertical pocket of amniotic fluid measuring 3 cm is also within the normal range for amniotic fluid volume.
Choice D is wrong because a single vertical pocket of amniotic fluid measuring 5 cm is also within the normal range for amniotic fluid volume.
Normal ranges for AFI and single vertical pocket are > 5 to < 24 cm and ≥ 2 to < 8 cm, respectively.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This test can detect genetic disorders.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for chromosomal abnormalities and certain other genetic problems.
The placenta is a structure in the uterus that provides blood and nutrients from the mother to the fetus.
Choice A is wrong because CVS does not provide information on neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
For this reason, women who undergo CVS also need a follow-up blood test between 16 to 18 weeks of their pregnancy to screen for neural tube defects.
Choice C is wrong because CVS can detect chromosomal abnormalities, but not all chromosomal abnormalities are genetic disorders.
For example, Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, but it is not inherited from the parents.
Choice D is wrong because CVS cannot detect Rh sensitization, which is a condition where the mother’s immune system produces antibodies against the fetus’s blood type.
Rh sensitization can be detected by a blood test that measures the level of antibodies in the mother’s blood.
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