A nurse is caring for a client who has consented to an amniocentesis for genetic cell analysis. The client asks why she can’t have the test before 14 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

The fetus is not mature enough until this time.

This is when the heartbeat is first audible.

There is not enough amniotic fluid until this time.

The genetic results will not be accurate until this time.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A:

While fetal maturity is a factor in the timing of amniocentesis, it's not the primary reason for waiting until 14 weeks.

Earlier in pregnancy, fetal cells are less abundant in the amniotic fluid, making it more challenging to obtain a sufficient sample for accurate testing.

Additionally, the procedure carries a slightly higher risk of miscarriage before 14 weeks.

Choice B:

The audibility of the fetal heartbeat is not directly related to the timing of amniocentesis.

It's typically possible to hear the heartbeat by Doppler ultrasound around 10-12 weeks, but this doesn't mean there's enough amniotic fluid for amniocentesis.

Choice D:

The accuracy of genetic results is not dependent on the timing of amniocentesis after 14 weeks.

As long as a sufficient sample of amniotic fluid is obtained, the accuracy of the results is not affected by gestational age.

Choice C:

The most accurate explanation for why amniocentesis is not performed before 14 weeks is the amount of amniotic fluid. Before 14 weeks, there's typically not enough amniotic fluid to safely extract a sample without potentially harming the fetus or the placenta.

By 14 weeks, there's usually enough fluid to adequately cushion the fetus and the needle during the procedure, reducing the risks involved.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is not a common finding in severe preeclampsia. While some women with preeclampsia may experience a slight increase in heart rate, it is not typically a significant or defining feature of the condition. In fact, some women with severe preeclampsia may even experience a slightly decreased heart rate due to increased vagal tone.

Choice B rationale:
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is also not a typical finding in severe preeclampsia. Blood pressure is often elevated in preeclampsia, and it is one of the key diagnostic criteria. Hypotension would be a concerning finding in a woman with preeclampsia, as it could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption or HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count).

Choice C rationale:
Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not a characteristic finding of severe preeclampsia. In fact, many women with preeclampsia experience oliguria, or decreased urine output, due to decreased kidney function. This is because preeclampsia can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter blood and produce urine.

Choice D rationale:
Headache is a common and often severe symptom of severe preeclampsia. It is thought to be caused by increased pressure within the brain due to swelling and vasoconstriction of the blood vessels. Headaches in preeclampsia can be very intense and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. They are often a sign that the preeclampsia is worsening and that delivery may be necessary.

A. Pacenta Previa B. Newborn Hypoglycemia C. Oligohydramnios D. Small for gestational age newborn E. Maternal gestational diabetes

Correct Answer is E

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers all or part of the cervix. It's a serious complication that can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy and childbirth. However, it's not a direct complication of maternal gestational diabetes.

Choice B rationale:

Newborn hypoglycemia is a condition in which a newborn's blood sugar levels are too low. It can occur in infants of mothers with gestational diabetes, but it's not the most common or significant complication associated with the condition.

Choice C rationale:

Oligohydramnios is a condition characterized by a low amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. It can be associated with maternal gestational diabetes, but it's not as common as other complications, such as macrosomia (large for gestational age baby).

Choice D rationale:

Small for gestational age (SGA) newborn refers to a baby who is smaller than expected for their gestational age. It can be caused by several factors, including restricted intrauterine growth, which can be associated with maternal gestational diabetes. However, it's not the most direct or common complication of the condition.

Choice E rationale:

Maternal gestational diabetes is a condition in which a woman develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It's the most common metabolic complication of pregnancy and can lead to several serious health risks for both the mother and baby. These risks include:

Macrosomia (large for gestational age baby): High blood sugar levels in the mother can cause the baby to grow excessively large, leading to complications during labor and delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, birth injuries, and cesarean delivery. Preeclampsia: Gestational diabetes increases the risk of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can affect multiple organs, including the liver and kidneys, and can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.

Premature birth: Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to deliver their babies prematurely, which can lead to health problems for the baby, such as respiratory distress syndrome, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays.

Neonatal hypoglycemia: Newborns of mothers with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after birth due to the sudden withdrawal of maternal glucose supply. This can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death if not promptly treated.

Type 2 diabetes later in life: Both mother and child are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who has consented to an amniocentesis for genetic cell analysis. The client asks why she can’t have the test before 14 weeks of gestation. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has severe preeclampsia. When collecting data from the client, the nurse should expect which of the following findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following complications should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is E

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who smokes one pack of cigarettes per day. The nurse should instruct the client that her newborn is at increased risk for which of the following clinical manifestations?

A nurse is teaching a client who is scheduled for a non-stress test. Which of the following information should the nurse include? Choice Options:

A nurse is assisting with a community program to educate adolescents about contraception. After the class, a 15-year-old girl asks the nurse which method is best for her to use. Which of the following statements is an appropriate nursing response?

A nurse is reviewing contraception options for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following clients as having a contraindication to oral contraceptives?

A nurse is caring for a client in the prenatal clinic who has a possible ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in active labor at 9 weeks of gestation. The nurse locates the fetal heart tones above the client's umbilicus at midline. The nurse should suspect that the fetus is in which of the following positions?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic overhears a newly licensed nurse discussing conception with a client. Which statement by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention?

A nurse is caring for a client who has consented to an amniocentesis for genetic cell analysis. The client asks why she can’t have the test before 14 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?