A pregnant woman undergoes a triple/quadruple screen at 16 to 18 weeks' gestation. What would the nurse suspect if the woman's alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is decreased?
Sickle-cell anemia
Cardiac defects
Down syndrome
Respiratory disorders
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is a genetic disorder that affects the shape and function of the red blood cells. It is not related to the AFP level, which is a protein produced by the fetal liver and yolk sac.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because cardiac defects are abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart. They are not related to the AFP level, which is a marker of neural tube defects and abdominal wall defects.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that results from an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is associated with a decreased AFP level, as well as increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (uE3).
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory disorders are problems that affect the lungs and breathing. They are not related to the AFP level, which reflects the fetal development and integrity.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because maternal diabetes is a condition where the mother has high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It can cause polyhydramnios, or excess amniotic fluid, not oligohydramnios, or low amniotic fluid.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because fetal anencephaly is a congenital defect where the fetus lacks parts of the brain and skull. It can cause oligohydramnios, as the fetus does not produce enough urine to contribute to the amniotic fluid volume.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because placental abruption is a complication where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before delivery. It can cause bleeding, pain, and fetal distress, but not oligohydramnios.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because neural tube defects are congenital defects where the spinal cord or brain does not develop properly. They can cause various neurological problems, but not oligohydramnios.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Hemodilution of pregnancy is a normal physiological phenomenon that occurs when the plasma volume increases more than the red blood cell mass, resulting in a lower hemoglobin concentration. The normal hemoglobin range for pregnant women in the second trimester is 10.5 to 14 g/dL.
Choice B: A multiple gestation pregnancy may cause a higher hemoglobin level due to increased erythropoietin production by the placenta. The normal hemoglobin range for pregnant women with twins in the second trimester is 12 to 16 g/dL.
Choice C: Greater-than-expected weight gain is not related to hemoglobin level. Weight gain during pregnancy depends on various factors such as pre-pregnancy weight, nutrition, activity level, and fetal growth.
Choice D: Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition where the hemoglobin level is below the normal range due to inadequate iron intake or absorption, blood loss, or increased iron demand. The signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include fatigue, pallor, weakness, shortness of breath, and pica.
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