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 C

Explanation

According to the ACOG guidelines on antepartum fetal surveillance, one of the components of the biophysical profile is fetal breathing movements, which are scored as 2 points if there is one or more episodes of rhythmic fetal breathing movements of 30 seconds or more within 30 minutes.

Choice A is wrong because 0 points are given for absent or no breathing episode for ≥30 seconds within a 30 minute observation period.

Choice B is wrong because there is no 1 point score for this variable.

Choice D is wrong because there is no 3 point score for this variable.

The maximum score for each variable is 2 points.

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 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?

Correct Answer is C

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 preparing a client for a Contraction Stress Test (CST). Which method can be used to induce uterine contractions during the test?

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

During a Non-Stress Test (NST), the client needs to press a button whenever they feel the fetus move. What is the purpose of this action?

A nurse is preparing a client for a biophysical profile (BPP). The nurse should instruct the client that the test involves which of the following procedures?

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?

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