A nurse in a prenatal office is caring for a client who is at gestation and is scheduled for an amniocentesis.
The client asks why ultrasounds are performed prior to the procedure. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
The ultrasound determines there is more than one fetus.
The ultrasound is for determining fetal age.
The ultrasound is for identifying the location and mass.
The ultrasound is for imaging.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A:
While an ultrasound can indeed determine if there are multiple fetuses, this is not the primary reason for performing it prior to amniocentesis. The number of fetuses is typically established earlier in pregnancy through routine ultrasounds.
Focusing solely on multiple fetuses might lead the client to believe that ultrasounds are only conducted in such cases, which is not accurate.
Choice B:
Determining fetal age is a crucial aspect of prenatal care, but it's not the main reason for an ultrasound before amniocentesis. Fetal age is typically assessed through earlier ultrasounds, often in the first trimester.
Highlighting fetal age might misinform the client about the specific purpose of the ultrasound in this context.
Choice C:
This is the most appropriate response because it accurately identifies the primary purpose of the ultrasound.
Amniocentesis involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to collect a sample of amniotic fluid. To ensure the safety of the procedure and minimize risks to the fetus, it's essential to accurately visualize the location of the amniotic sac and placenta, as well as assess the position of the fetus.
Ultrasound provides real-time imaging that allows the healthcare provider to visualize these structures with precision, guiding the needle insertion and reducing the risk of complications.
Choice D:
While stating that the ultrasound is for imaging is technically correct, it's too general and doesn't provide the specific reason for its use in this context.
A more informative response would clarify the specific imaging goals for amniocentesis, as outlined in Choice C.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Rh incompatibility is not directly identified through amniocentesis. Instead, it's typically assessed through blood tests that determine a woman's Rh factor and screen for Rh antibodies.
However, amniocentesis can provide information that might be relevant to Rh incompatibility, such as the fetal Rh type. If the mother is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive, there's a risk of Rh incompatibility.
Choice B:
Amniocentesis can detect neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly.
It does this by measuring the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid. AFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver, and elevated levels in the amniotic fluid can indicate an NTD.
Choice C:
Amniocentesis can accurately determine the fetal gender by examining the sex chromosomes present in the cells of the amniotic fluid.
Choice D:
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) is a condition where the baby's head is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis. It's not diagnosed through amniocentesis.
CPD is usually suspected based on clinical findings like a slow progression of labor or a high fetal station, and it might be confirmed with imaging techniques like X-ray or ultrasound.
Choice E:
Amniocentesis is a valuable tool for diagnosing chromosomal defects, such as Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. It does this by analyzing the chromosomes of the fetal cells present in the amniotic fluid.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: The recommended weight gain for a woman with a normal BMI (18.5-24.9) during pregnancy is 25-35 pounds. This range ensures adequate nutrition for both the mother and the developing baby, supporting optimal fetal growth and maternal health.
Choice B rationale: A weight gain of 11-20 pounds is recommended for women with a high BMI (≥30) during pregnancy. This range helps minimize the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension, but it is not applicable for a woman with a normal BMI.
Choice C rationale: While a healthy diet is crucial, specific weight gain guidelines are essential to ensure the health of both mother and baby. Weight gain recommendations are based on evidence to support optimal outcomes, making it important to follow them.
Choice D rationale: A weight gain of 15-25 pounds is recommended for women with an overweight BMI (25-29.9) during pregnancy. This range helps support fetal growth while minimizing the risk of complications, but it is not applicable for a woman with a normal BMI.
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