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?

Neural tube defect.

Chromosomal abnormality.

Maternal weight-related factors.

Fetal demise.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An equivocal CST indicates late decelerations of the FHR with less than 50% of contractions.

This means that the fetus may have some degree of hypoxia or distress, but not enough to warrant immediate delivery.

An equivocal CST may also result from hyperstimulation of the uterus, which can cause excessive contractions and reduce blood flow to the placenta.

Choice B is wrong because late decelerations of the FHR with at least 50% of contractions is a positive CST, which indicates a high risk of fetal death due to hypoxia and is a contraindication to labor.

Choice C is wrong because no late decelerations of the FHR during contractions is a negative CST, which indicates a good fetal wellbeing and tolerance of labor.

Choice D is wrong because variable decelerations of the FHR with or without contractions are not related to uterine activity and may indicate cord compression or other fetal problems.

Variable decelerations are not used to interpret CST results.

A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately B. Administer pain medication to the patient C. Encourage the patient to rest and elevate her legs D. Offer emotional support and reassurance to the patient

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

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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 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?

A nurse is caring for a client who had chorionic villus sampling (CVS) performed at 12 weeks’ gestation and asks when she can expect results from this test. The nurse should inform her that results are typically available within which timeframe?

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an amniocentesis. Which of the following should the nurse report to the provider?

A nurse is providing education to a client who is scheduled to undergo chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of this test?

A client asks the nurse about the significance of Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) results. How should the nurse respond?

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

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

A client is scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound in two weeks. The client asks the nurse what they should do to prepare for the test. What is the best response by the nurse?

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?