A nurse is discussing a client's maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening results with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following conditions is associated with low levels?

A. At 12 weeks of gestation, the uterus is typically located in the suprapubic area. The fetal heart tones can often be detected in this region as the fetus is still small enough that its heart tones can be picked up without interference from the mother's abdominal organs.
B. The umbilical area is not the optimal location at this stage; the fetal heart tones are generally not audible in this location until the uterus rises higher into the abdomen in later gestation.
C. Above the left iliac crest is not appropriate for this gestational age. The fetal heart tones would be difficult to detect in that area as the fetus is still quite low in the pelvis.
D. Below the liver border on the right abdomen is also not correct, as the fetal heart tones are unlikely to be found there at 12 weeks.

A. Increased uterine tone: Methylergonovine is a medication used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage. It works by causing uterine contractions, which helps to control bleeding. An indication that the medication is effective would be an increase in uterine
tone, as this signifies that the uterus is contracting appropriately.
B. Blood pressure 120/74 mm Hg: While a blood pressure of 120/74 mm Hg is within the normal range, it does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of methylergonovine.
Blood pressure is an important parameter to monitor, but it alone does not determine the effectiveness of the medication.
C. Decreased perineal edema: Decreased perineal edema may be a positive sign for the client's overall recovery, but it is not a direct indicator of methylergonovine's
effectiveness. Perineal edema is not a primary concern addressed by this medication.
D. Urinary output 100 mL/hr: Urinary output of 100 mL/hr is an important parameter to monitor for renal function. However, it does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of methylergonovine in preventing or treating postpartum hemorrhage. Urinary output is crucial for assessing kidney function and fluid balance but is not directly related to the action of this medication.