A client is suspected of having a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Which assessment would the nurse identify as the priority?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is a genetic disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. It does not affect the AFP level, which is a protein produced by the fetus and placenta. Sickle-cell anemia can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as hemoglobin electrophoresis or DNA analysis.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because cardiac defects are structural abnormalities of the heart or blood vessels that affect the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. They may cause an increased AFP level, not a decreased one, as they can lead to fetal distress or edema. Cardiac defects can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as fetal echocardiography or ultrasound.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that results from an extra copy of chromosome 21. It causes various physical and mental developmental delays and defects in the fetus. It is associated with a decreased AFP level, as well as decreased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (uE3). Down syndrome can be confirmed by other prenatal tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory disorders are problems that affect the breathing and gas exchange of the fetus. They may cause an increased AFP level, not a decreased one, as they can lead to fetal distress or edema. Respiratory disorders can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as fetal biophysical profile (BPP) or nonstress test (NST).

Choice A Reason: This is correct because cloudy malodorous fluid indicates that the amniotic fluid is contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause infection in the woman or the fetus. Normally, amniotic fluid is clear and odorless.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because abdominal tenderness suggests that the woman has inflammation or irritation of the uterus or other pelvic organs due to infection. Abdominal tenderness can also be accompanied by cramping, pain, or fever.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because fetal bradycardia, which is a slow fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute, indicates that the fetus is experiencing distress or hypoxia due to infection. Fetal bradycardia can be detected by electronic fetal monitoring or Doppler device.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because elevated maternal pulse rate, which is a heart rate above 100 beats per minute, indicates that the woman has an increased metabolic demand or systemic inflammation due to infection. Elevated maternal pulse rate can also be caused by dehydration, anxiety, or pain.

Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because decreased C-reactive protein levels do not indicate infection. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation or infection. Increased CRP levels can be a sign of infection, but decreased CRP levels can be normal or indicate other conditions such as liver disease or malnutrition.