A nurse is explaining the purpose of a Doppler ultrasound blood flow analysis to a client who has intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

The nurse should inform the client that this test measures which of the following?

This method can be used to induce uterine contractions during the test by stimulating the uterus with a hormone that causes contractions.

Oxytocin is also the hormone that naturally triggers labor contractions.

Choice A is wrong because nipple stimulation can also induce contractions, but it is not as reliable or controllable as oxytocin infusion.

Choice C is wrong because oral medications are not used to induce contractions during a CST.

Some medications may interfere with the test results or cause side effects.

Choice D is wrong because applying warm compresses to the abdomen does not induce contractions.

It may help with pain relief or relaxation, but it does not affect the uterus.

Normal ranges for uterine contractions during a CST are three contractions in 10 minutes, each lasting 40 to 60 seconds.

Normal ranges for fetal heart rate during a CST are 110 to 160 beats per minute, with no decelerations after contractions.

"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.