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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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. Notify the health care provider immediately.

This is because cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours after amniocentesis are signs of possible complications, such as injury to the baby or mother, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, Rh sensitization, preterm labor, or miscarriage.

These complications are rare, but they can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

Choice B is wrong because administering pain medication to the patient does not address the underlying cause of the cramping and bleeding, and may delay seeking help.

Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to rest and elevate her legs may not prevent further complications, and may also delay seeking help.

Choice D is wrong because offering emotional support and reassurance to the patient is not enough to ensure the safety of the baby and the mother, and may give a false sense of security.

Normal ranges for amniocentesis are:

No chromosomal defects detected in the fetus and no abnormal proteins present in amniotic fluid

No signs of infection or other illness in the baby

Fetal lungs mature enough for birth if delivery is planned sooner than 39 weeks

A. Administer Rho(D) immune globulin. B. Monitor fetal heart rate C. Assess maternal vital signs D. Obtain an order for an ultrasound exam.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. Monitor fetal heart rate.

This is because cramping and vaginal bleeding after amniocentesis are signs of possible complications such as miscarriage, preterm labor, or injury to the fetus.

Monitoring fetal heart rate can help assess the well-being of the fetus and detect any signs of distress.

Choice A is wrong because administering Rho(D) immunoglobulin is only necessary if the mother has Rh-negative blood and the baby has Rh-positive blood, which can cause Rh sensitization.

This is not given routinely to all women who have amniocentesis.

Choice C is wrong because assessing maternal vital signs is not the first priority when there is a risk of fetal compromise.

Maternal vital signs can be affected by many factors and are not specific indicators of fetal health.

Choice D is wrong because obtaining an order for an ultrasound exam is not the first action to take.

An ultrasound exam can help confirm the diagnosis of complications such as placental abruption or fetal demise, but it requires time and equipment that might delay immediate intervention.

Monitoring fetal heart rate can be done quickly and easily at the bedside.

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A nurse is explaining the purpose of an Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) to a pregnant client. What is the test primarily used for ?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who had an amniocentesis at 16 weeks gestation and reports cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours later. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is educating a pregnant client about the Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP). What should the nurse include as a reason why AFP results are reported as multiples of the median (MoM)?

A nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a CST. Which statement indicates the client understands the test procedure?

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

A nurse is reviewing the results of an Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) with a pregnant client. What does a low level of AFP (<0.5 MoM) potentially indicate?

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?

A nurse is reviewing the results of a Contraction Stress Test (CST) with a pregnant client. What does an equivocal CST indicate?

A client asks the nurse about the risks and complications associated with prenatal ultrasound. Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?

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?

A nurse is explaining the purpose of an Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) to a pregnant client.

What is the test primarily used for ?