A client’s maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level is elevated at 17 weeks.
What condition should the nurse identify as the likely cause of this increase?
Multiple gestation.
Fetal hypoxia.
Down syndrome.
Neural tube defect.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While multiple gestation can cause an increase in maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MS-AFP) levels, it is not the most likely cause of an elevated MS-AFP level at 17 weeks.
Choice B rationale
Fetal hypoxia, or lack of oxygen to the fetus, is not typically associated with an increase in MSAFP levels.
Choice C rationale
Down syndrome is typically associated with lower, not higher, levels of MS-AFP891011.
Choice D rationale
An elevated level of MS-AFP at 17 weeks is most commonly associated with a neural tube defect. Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord that occur during the first month of pregnancy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A heart rate of 58 beats/minute is within the normal range for adults, including those who have recently given birth. Therefore, there is no need to report this to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale
While assessing for excessive lochia is important in postpartum care, there is no indication from the given vital signs that this is necessary.
Choice C rationale
The vital signs provided are all within normal ranges for a postpartum patient. Therefore, the appropriate action would be to document these findings in the patient’s record.
Choice D rationale
There is no indication from the given vital signs that the patient has a fever or pain, so administering a PRN dose of acetaminophen is not necessary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While assessing for bladder distention is important in general urinary assessment, it is not directly related to the observation of the infant voiding a urinary stream from the ventral surface of the penis.
Choice B rationale
Listening for bowel sounds is a part of the general abdominal assessment. However, it does not provide information related to the observation of the infant voiding a urinary stream from the ventral surface of the penis.
Choice C rationale
Documenting the observation is the correct action. The nurse has observed that the infant voids a urinary stream from the ventral surface of the penis. This could indicate a condition such as hypospadias, where the urethral opening is on the underside of the penis. This is an important finding that should be documented and reported.
Choice D rationale
Checking the scrotum for testicular descent is part of the general assessment of the male genitalia. However, it does not provide information related to the observation of the infant voiding a urinary stream from the ventral surface of the penis.
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