A nurse is explaining the purpose of a Contraction Stress Test (CST) to a pregnant client.

What does the CST aim to assess?

A low level of AFP (<0.5 MoM) in a pregnant woman can indicate that the fetus has a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome.

This is because these conditions affect the development of the fetal liver, which produces AFP.

Choice A is wrong because neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, are associated with high levels of AFP (>2.5 MoM) in the maternal blood.

This is because AFP can leak from the open spinal canal of the fetus into the amniotic fluid and then into the maternal blood.

Choice C is wrong because maternal weight-related factors do not affect the level of AFP in the maternal blood.

However, they can affect the interpretation of the AFP test results, as the test needs to be adjusted for maternal weight, age, ethnicity, and gestational age.

Choice D is wrong because fetal demise (death) can also cause high levels of AFP in the maternal blood, as the AFP from the dead fetus can leak into the amniotic fluid and then into the maternal blood.

Normal ranges of AFP in pregnant women vary depending on the gestational age and the method of measurement.

Generally, normal levels of AFP are below 10 ng/ml in nonpregnant adults and below 2.5 MoM in pregnant women.

This is because migraine headaches with aura are a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives, as they increase the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice B: A 32-year-old client who has endometriosis.

This is not a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives, as they can actually help reduce the symptoms of endometriosis by suppressing ovulation and reducing menstrual bleeding.

Choice C: A 28-year-old client who has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

This is not a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives, as they can help regulate the menstrual cycle and lower the levels of androgens (male hormones) that cause acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and other problems in women with PCOS.

Choice D: A 22-year-old client who has irregular menstrual cycles.

This is not a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives, as they can help normalize the menstrual cycle and prevent unintended pregnancy.

Normal ranges for oral contraceptive doses are:

Estrogen: 10 to 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol or estradiol valerate

Progestin: varies depending on the type and brand of oral contraceptive