A nurse is explaining the purpose of an Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) to a pregnant client.
What is the test primarily used for ?
Screening for neural tube defects.
Assessing placental function.
Determining fetal gender
Diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities
The Correct Answer is A
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.
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Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A contraction stress test (CST) is performed near the end of pregnancy to determine how well the fetus will cope with the contractions of childbirth.
The aim is to induce contractions and monitor the fetus to check for heart rate abnormalities using a cardiotocograph.
A normal heartbeat is a good sign that the fetus will be healthy during labor.
Choice B is wrong because a CST does not measure maternal blood pressure.
Choice C is wrong because a CST does not assess placental function directly.
Choice D is wrong because a CST does not measure amniotic fluid volume.
Normal ranges for fetal heart rate are between 110 and 160 beats per minute.
Normal ranges for uterine contractions are between 2 and 5 contractions in 10 minutes, lasting less than 90 seconds each.
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