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 B

Explanation

An amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 4 cm indicates oligohydramnios, which is a low amount of amniotic fluid.

Oligohydramnios can be caused by various factors, such as uteroplacental insufficiency, rupture of membranes, postterm pregnancy, fetal anomalies, or certain medications.

Oligohydramnios can lead to complications such as fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction, limb contractures, or delayed lung maturation.

Choice A is wrong because an AFI of 8 cm is within the normal range for amniotic fluid volume.

Choice C is wrong because a single vertical pocket of amniotic fluid measuring 3 cm is also within the normal range for amniotic fluid volume.

Choice D is wrong because a single vertical pocket of amniotic fluid measuring 5 cm is also within the normal range for amniotic fluid volume.

Normal ranges for AFI and single vertical pocket are > 5 to < 24 cm and ≥ 2 to < 8 cm, respectively.

A. “The patient should have a full bladder for a transabdominal US and an empty bladder for a transvaginal US.”. B. “The patient should wear tight-fitting clothing and lie prone on an examination table.”. C. “The patient should wear loose-fitting clothing and lie supine on an examination table.”. D. “The patient should wear loose-fitting clothing and lie supine on an examination table.”.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The patient should wear loose-fitting clothing and lie supine on an examination table.

This is because loose-fitting clothing allows easy access to the abdomen and lying supine helps relax the abdominal muscles.

The patient should also avoid food and drinks for 8 to 12 hours before the test, as undigested food can interfere with the sound waves and affect the image quality.

Choice A is wrong because a full bladder is not necessary for an abdominal ultrasound, unless the patient is pregnant or has a pelvic condition.

A transvaginal ultrasound is a different type of ultrasound that uses a probe inserted into the vagina to examine the reproductive organs.

Choice B is wrong because tight-fitting clothing can restrict the movement of the ultrasound probe and make it harder to get a clear image.

Lying prone (on the stomach) can also tense up the abdominal muscles and obscure the organs.

Choice D is wrong because lying prone can have the same disadvantages as choice B. Additionally, wearing loose-fitting clothing does not mean that the patient can eat or drink anything before the test, as this can affect the results.

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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 caring for a client who has oligohydramnios and is undergoing a biophysical profile (BPP). The nurse should expect to see which of the following findings on the ultrasound?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is scheduled for a transvaginal 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 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?

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

A nurse is educating a pregnant client about the Non-Stress Test (NST). Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the test?

A nurse is explaining the purpose of a Contraction Stress Test (CST) to a pregnant client. What does the CST aim to assess?

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 interpreting the results of a biophysical profile (BPP) for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation. The nurse should understand that each of the five variables is assigned a score of how many points?

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 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?