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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a pulse oximeter on the heel of a newborn can help monitor oxygen saturation levels. However, the symptoms described, such as jitteriness, hypotonicity, and a weak cry, are more indicative of hypoglycemia, a condition that would not be detected by a pulse oximeter.
Choice B rationale
Swaddling the infant in a warm blanket can help maintain body temperature, but it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which are suggestive of hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Documenting the findings in the record is an important part of nursing care, but it does not provide immediate intervention for the symptoms observed.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a heel stick blood glucose level is the appropriate action given the symptoms described. Jitteriness, hypotonicity, and a weak cry can be signs of neonatal hypoglycemia. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to evaluate the parent’s ability to care for the child, this does not directly address the parent’s fear of needles. The parent’s fear of needles is a specific issue that needs to be addressed in order to ensure the child receives the necessary insulin injections.
Choice B rationale
Determining if the child can administer the insulin is a potential solution to the parent’s fear of needles. Some children as young as 10 years old may be able to administer their own insulin injections with proper training and supervision. This would allow the child to manage their diabetes independently and alleviate the parent’s fear of needles.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the parent to handle the needles may not be effective if the parent has a significant fear of needles. It’s important to respect the parent’s fear and find alternative solutions, such as having the child administer the insulin or finding another person who can assist with the injections.
Choice D rationale
Inquiring if there is another person who can assist with the injections is a potential solution to the parent’s fear of needles. If there is another person available who is comfortable administering the insulin injections, this could alleviate the parent’s fear and ensure the child receives the necessary care.
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