A nurse is teaching a client who is at 15 weeks of gestation and is to undergo an amniocentesis. The nurse should explain that the purpose of this test is to identify which of the following conditions? (Select all that apply.)
Rh incompatibility
Fetal gender
Cephalopelvic disproportion
Anomalies in fetal chromosomes
Neural tube defects
Correct Answer : B,D,E
Explanation:
A. Rh incompatibility
Amniocentesis is not used to identify Rh incompatibility. Rh incompatibility occurs when the mother is Rh-negative, and the baby is Rh-positive, leading to potential complications if the mother develops antibodies against the baby's Rh-positive blood cells. However, this condition is typically managed through other means such as Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) administration.
B. Fetal gender
Amniocentesis can determine the fetal gender by analyzing the chromosomes present in the fetal cells obtained from the amniotic fluid. The presence of a Y chromosome indicates a male fetus, while its absence indicates a female fetus. Therefore, fetal gender can be identified through amniocentesis.
C. Cephalopelvic disproportion
Cephalopelvic disproportion refers to a situation where the baby's head is too large to pass through the mother's pelvis during childbirth. This condition is typically diagnosed during labor based on the progress of labor and fetal descent. Amniocentesis is not used to identify cephalopelvic disproportion.
D. Anomalies in fetal chromosomes
Amniocentesis is primarily used to identify anomalies in fetal chromosomes, such as chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. It can also detect other chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders caused by changes in the number or structure of chromosomes.
E. Neural tube defects
Amniocentesis can detect neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, by analyzing levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and other markers in the amniotic fluid. Elevated levels of AFP may indicate a neural tube defect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Explanation:
A. Unilateral, cramp-like abdominal pain.
This is a typical manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy. The pain is often localized to one side of the lower abdomen and may be cramp-like or sharp. It occurs due to the stretching and irritation of surrounding structures, such as the fallopian tube, as the pregnancy grows outside of the uterus.

B. Severe nausea and vomiting.
While nausea and vomiting can occur during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester (morning sickness), they are not specific manifestations of an ectopic pregnancy. Severe nausea and vomiting are more commonly associated with conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum, but they are not indicative of an ectopic pregnancy.
C. Large amount of vaginal bleeding.
Vaginal bleeding can occur in ectopic pregnancies, but it is typically not a large amount compared to the bleeding seen in a miscarriage or other complications. Ectopic pregnancy bleeding is often lighter and may be accompanied by spotting or brownish discharge. However, significant vaginal bleeding is not a consistent manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy.
D. Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age.
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, so there is no uterine enlargement as expected in a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Therefore, uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age would not be consistent with an ectopic pregnancy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Explanation:
A. Placenta previa: Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of placenta previa, especially in the third trimester. This bleeding occurs because the placental blood vessels are disrupted as the cervix begins to dilate or efface during pregnancy.

B. Abruptio placentae: Abruptio placentae is a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely, leading to painful bleeding. However, the bleeding associated with abruptio placentae is typically dark red and accompanied by uterine pain or contractions. In the scenario described, the bleeding is painless, making abruptio placentae less likely.
C. Threatened abortion: Threatened abortion refers to vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy (before 20 weeks) that may or may not be accompanied by cramping or abdominal pain. It is not typically associated with painless, bright red bleeding at 36 weeks gestation.
D. Precipitous labor: Precipitous labor refers to a rapid labor and delivery process, often completing in less than three hours from onset of contractions to delivery. It is not related to painless, bright red vaginal bleeding.
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