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?

An alpha-fetoprotein test (AFP) is a blood test that measures the amount of AFP present in blood.

It’s usually part of what’s called a triple screen or quad screen in the second trimester of pregnancy.

The yolk sac, GI tract, and liver of an unborn baby produce AFP.

It then circulates through the fetal and maternal blood.

High levels of AFP in pregnant people can indicate that the baby has a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

Choice B is wrong because assessing placental function is not the primary purpose of an AFP test.

However, low levels of AFP can indicate problems with the placenta or the baby’s growth.

Choice C is wrong because determining fetal gender is not the primary purpose of an AFP test.

However, some genetic tests that use a sample of the baby’s DNA from the pregnant person’s blood can reveal the baby’s sex as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities is not the primary purpose of an AFP test.

However, an AFP test is usually part of a quad screen that also tests for other markers that can indicate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.

. The client’s cervix is dilated.

This indicates that the client may be in preterm labor, which is a contraindication for amniocentesis.

Amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for genetic testing or other purposes.

It is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation.

Choice A is wrong because the client’s bladder should be full for amniocentesis.

This helps to push the uterus upward and away from the bladder, reducing the risk of injury and making it easier to visualize the fetus and the needle.

Choice B is wrong because the client’s uterus should be above the symphysis pubis at 16 weeks of gestation.

This is a normal finding and does not affect the procedure.

Choice D is wrong because the client’s fundal height should measure around 16 cm at 16 weeks of gestation.

A fundal height of 20 cm may indicate a large for gestational age fetus, multiple gestation, or polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), but these are not absolute contraindications for amniocentesis.

However, they may require further evaluation and adjustment of the technique.