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A nurse is discussing the factors that can affect Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) results with a pregnant client.

Which factor should the nurse mention?

Maternal weight.

Fetal heart rate.

Gestational age.

Placental function.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The level of AFP in a pregnant woman’s blood depends on how far along she is in her pregnancy.

AFP levels are normally high in the early weeks of pregnancy and then decline as the pregnancy progresses.

If the AFP level is too high or too low for the gestational age, it may indicate a problem with the baby’s development.

Choice A is wrong because maternal weight does not affect AFP levels.

Choice B is wrong because fetal heart rate does not affect AFP levels.

Choice D is wrong because the placental function does not affect AFP levels directly, but it may affect the levels of other hormones that are measured along with AFP in a quad screen.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

"It is a screening test for spinal defects in the fetus."

The MSAFP test is a blood test that measures the amount of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the mother’s blood.

AFP is a protein produced by the baby during pregnancy.The test helps to assess the baby’s risk of certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects, which are abnormalities in the development of the brain and spine.

A. “It is a diagnostic test for spinal defects in the fetus.” This statement is wrong because the MSAFP test is not a diagnostic test.

It only indicates the probability of having a spinal defect, but it does not confirm or rule out the condition.A diagnostic test, such as an ultrasound or amniocentesis, is needed to make a definitive diagnosis.

C. “It is a diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.” This statement is wrong because the MSAFP test is not a diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormalities either.

It only indicates the probability of having a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome, but it does not confirm or rule out the condition.A diagnostic test, such as a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, is needed to make a definitive diagnosis.

D. “It is a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.” This statement is partially correct, but not the best answer.

The MSAFP test alone is not very accurate for screening chromosomal abnormalities.It is usually combined with other blood tests and an ultrasound to form a more reliable screening test called a quad screen or an integrated screen.

The normal range of MSAFP levels varies depending on the gestational age of the baby and the laboratory methods used.Generally, the MSAFP levels increase until about 15 weeks of pregnancy and then decrease until delivery.The average MSAFP level at 15 weeks of pregnancy is about 38 ng/mL.However, different laboratories may have different reference ranges, so it is important to consult your healthcare provider for your specific results and interpretation.

A. No contractions were induced during the test. B. Late decelerations of the FHR were observed with at least 50% of contractions. C. The FHR remained stable throughout the test. D. The client experienced mild uterine cramping during the tes.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This means that the baby’s heart rate did not slow down after the contractions induced by oxytocin, which is a sign of normal fetal well-being.

A negative CST is normal and desirable.

Choice A is wrong because no contractions were induced during the test.

This means that the test was inconclusive and could not assess the baby’s response to stress.

Choice B is wrong because late decelerations of the FHR were observed with at least 50% of contractions.

This means that the baby’s heart rate slowed down and stayed slow after the contractions, which is a sign of fetal distress and hypoxia.

A positive CST is abnormal and concerning.

Choice D is wrong because the client experienced mild uterine cramping during the test.

This is not a relevant factor for interpreting the CST results, which depend on the FHR patterns.

Uterine cramping can be a side effect of oxytocin administration or nipple stimulation.

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A nurse is discussing the factors that can affect Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) results with a pregnant client. Which factor should the nurse mention?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is educating a pregnant client about the Contraction Stress Test (CST). Which statement accurately describes a negative CST?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who had an amniocentesis performed at 16 weeks gestation and reports cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours later. Which action should be taken first?

A nurse is preparing a client for a biophysical profile (BPP). The nurse should instruct the client that the test involves which of the following procedures?

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an amniocentesis. Which of the following should the nurse report to the provider?

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the procedure?

A nurse is observing fetal breathing movements on an ultrasound for a client who is undergoing a biophysical profile (BPP). The nurse should document how many points for this variable if the fetus has at least one episode of breathing lasting for 20 seconds within a 30-minute period?

During a CST, the nurse observes variable decelerations of the FHR with or without contractions. What does this finding indicate?

During a Non-Stress Test (NST), the client needs to press a button whenever they feel the fetus move. What is the purpose of this action?

A nurse is explaining the purpose of a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound to a pregnant client. What does this ultrasound measure?

A nurse is discussing the factors that can affect Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) results with a pregnant client.

Which factor should the nurse mention?