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 client has Rh-negative blood type. B. The client has a history of preterm labor. C. The client has a history of gestational diabetes. D. The client has a history of placenta previa

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. The client has a history of placenta previa.

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers all or part of the cervix, blocking the baby’s exit from the uterus.

This can cause severe bleeding during pregnancy and delivery and increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.

Therefore, the nurse should report this condition to the provider before performing an amniocentesis.

Choice A is wrong because having Rh-negative blood type is not a contraindication for amniocentesis.

However, the client may need an injection of Rh immunoglobulin after the procedure to prevent Rh sensitization.

Choice B is wrong because having a history of preterm labor is not a contraindication for amniocentesis.

However, the client may need to be monitored closely for signs of preterm labor after the procedure.

Choice C is wrong because having a history of gestational diabetes is not a contraindication for amniocentesis.

However, the client may need to have their blood glucose levels checked before and after the procedure.

Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure that involves removing and testing a small sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus for genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome or Patau syndrome.

It can also be used to diagnose fetal infections, treat excess amniotic fluid, or test fetal lung maturity

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

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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

A nurse is discussing the factors that can affect Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) results with a pregnant client. Which factor should the nurse mention?

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 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 nurse is educating a pregnant client about the Contraction Stress Test (CST). Which statement accurately describes a negative CST?

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 an Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) with a pregnant client.

What does a low level of AFP (<0.5 MoM) potentially indicate?