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?

This is because a nuchal translucency ultrasound measures the amount of fluid behind the baby’s neck in the first trimester of pregnancy, which can indicate the risk of having a chromosomal condition like Down syndrome.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice A is wrong because fetal growth and development are not directly related to the nuchal translucency measurement.

Fetal growth and development are assessed by other parameters such as crown-rump length, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, etc.

Choice B is wrong because blood flow in the umbilical cord is not measured by the nuchal translucency ultrasound.

Blood flow in the umbilical cord is assessed by Doppler ultrasound, which evaluates the resistance and velocity of blood flow in the umbilical artery and vein.

Choice D is wrong because structural abnormalities in the baby’s organs are not detected by the nuchal translucency ultrasound.

Structural abnormalities in the baby’s organs are diagnosed by a detailed anatomy scan, which is usually performed in the second trimester of pregnancy.

The normal range for nuchal translucency is between 1 mm and 3 mm.

A measurement above 3 mm is considered increased and may indicate a higher risk of chromosomal or genetic conditions.

However, a nuchal translucency ultrasound is a screening test and not a diagnostic test, so it does not confirm or rule out any condition.

It only provides a probability based on statistical calculations.

Therefore, further testing may be recommended if the nuchal translucency measurement is increased or if other risk factors are present.

Normal level of AFP for the given gestational age.

AFP is a protein that the liver makes when its cells are growing and dividing to make new cells.

It is normally high in unborn babies and drops very low after birth.

The AFP test measures the amount of AFP present in blood and can help diagnose certain types of cancer and check how well treatment is working.

It can also help detect some birth defects in pregnant women.

Choice B is wrong because high level of AFP indicating a neural tube defect.

Neural tube defects are abnormalities that affect the brain and spinal cord of the fetus.

They can cause spina bifida, which is a condition where the spine does not close properly.

High levels of AFP can be a sign of neural tube defects, but they can also be caused by other factors, such as multiple pregnancies, inaccurate dating of pregnancy, or fetal death.

Choice C is wrong because low level of AFP indicating a chromosomal abnormality.

Chromosomal abnormalities are genetic disorders that affect the number or structure of chromosomes in the fetus.

They can cause Down syndrome, which is a condition where the fetus has an extra copy of chromosome 212.

Low levels of AFP can be a sign of chromosomal abnormalities, but they can also be caused by other factors, such as inaccurate dating of pregnancy, fetal death, or maternal obesity.

Choice D is wrong because inconclusive result, requiring further evaluation.

An inconclusive result means that the AFP level is neither too high nor too low to indicate a problem with the fetus.

It does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the fetus, but it may require further testing to confirm or rule out any abnormalities.

Normal ranges for AFP levels vary depending on the gestational age and the laboratory that performs the test.

Generally, the normal range for AFP levels in pregnant