A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test at 15 weeks of gestation.
The nurse provides which of the following explanations about this test to the client?
It is a diagnostic test for spinal defects in the fetus.
It is a screening test for spinal defects in the fetus.
It is a diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
It is a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetu.
The Correct Answer is B
A maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test is a type of prenatal blood test that measures the levels of MSAFP in the blood of a pregnant person. The test helps the healthcare provider assess the baby’s risk of certain medical conditions, such as neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities. The test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
A screening test means that it does not diagnose any health conditions, but only indicates the probability of having them.
A positive test means that the baby has a higher risk of having a birth defect, but it does not confirm it.
A negative test means that the baby has a lower risk of having a birth defect, but it does not rule it out. Further tests are needed to confirm or exclude the diagnosis.
A diagnostic test means that it can provide a definite diagnosis of a health condition. A maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test is not a diagnostic test for spinal defects or chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Statement A is wrong because it says that the test is a diagnostic test for spinal defects in the fetus, which is not true.
Statement C is wrong because it says that the test is a diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, which is not true.
Statement D is wrong because it says that the test is a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, which is only partially true. The test can screen for some chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, but not all of them.
The test also screens for neural tube defects, which are not chromosomal abnormalities.
Normal ranges for MSAFP vary depending on the gestational age and the laboratory methods used. Generally, MSAFP levels increase until about 32 weeks of pregnancy and then decrease until delivery.
High levels of MSAFP may indicate neural tube defects, multiple pregnancies, incorrect dating of pregnancy, or other conditions. Low levels of MSAFP may indicate Down syndrome, other chromosomal abnormalities, or other conditions.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is a contraindication for the Contraction Stress Test (CST) because it increases the risk of infection and umbilical cord prolapse.
A CST is a test that measures the baby’s heart rate during uterine contractions induced by oxytocin or nipple stimulation.
Choice A is wrong because gestational diabetes is not a contraindication for the CST.
It is a condition that affects how the body processes glucose during pregnancy and may cause complications such as macrosomia (large baby), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in urine).
Choice B is wrong because mild preeclampsia is not a contraindication for the CST.
It is a condition that causes high blood pressure and protein in urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy and may affect the placenta, kidneys, liver or brain.
Choice C is wrong because preterm labor is a relative contraindication for the CST, not an absolute one.
It means that the test may be performed if the benefits outweigh the risks, but it should be avoided if possible because it may trigger early labor or delivery.
Preterm labor is defined as regular uterine contractions with cervical changes before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are below 120/80 mmHg, for glucose are 70-100 mg/dL (fasting) or below 140 mg/dL (2 hours after eating), and for protein in urine are less than 300 mg/24 hours.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
To measure the fetal heart rate (FHR) in response to fetal movements.
This is because the FHR should increase by at least 15 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds when the fetus moves, which indicates a healthy and reactive fetus.
This is called an acceleration.
Choice B is wrong because the uterine contractions are not related to the fetal movements or the button pressing.
The uterine contractions are measured by a tocodynamometer or an intrauterine pressure catheter.
Choice C is wrong because the fetal oxygenation and neurological function are not directly measured by the button pressing.
The fetal oxygenation can be assessed by the FHR variability and decelerations, while the neurological function can be evaluated by other tests such as biophysical profile or fetal acoustic stimulation.
Choice D is wrong because the fetal well-being and hypoxia or distress are not indicated by the button pressing alone.
The fetal well-being and hypoxia or distress are determined by the FHR patterns, such as baseline, variability, accelerations and decelerations.
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