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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Nausea is a common presumptive sign of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. It is caused by hormonal changes and may be accompanied by vomiting.
Choice B Reason: Abdominal enlargement is another presumptive sign of pregnancy, as the uterus grows to accommodate the developing fetus. It may be noticeable as early as 12 weeks of gestation.
Choice C Reason: A positive pregnancy test is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, as it detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta. However, it is not a definitive sign, as it may be affected by other factors such as medications, tumors, or false positives.
Choice D Reason: Braxton Hicks contractions are not a presumptive sign of pregnancy, but a probable sign. They are irregular and painless contractions of the uterus that occur throughout pregnancy, but become more frequent and noticeable in the third trimester. They are also known as false labor contractions.
Choice E Reason: Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual periods, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, as it indicates that ovulation has ceased. However, it is not a definitive sign, as it may be caused by other factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A: Absence of pain is not a sign of abruptio placenta. Abruptio placenta is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, causing bleeding and pain. The pain is usually severe and constant.
Choice B: Insidious onset is not a sign of abruptio placenta. Abruptio placenta is usually a sudden and acute event that occurs in the third trimester or during labor.
Choice C: Dark red vaginal bleeding is a sign of abruptio placenta. The bleeding is caused by the rupture of blood vessels between the placenta and the uterus. The blood may be dark red because it is old or clotted.
Choice D: Rigid uterus is a sign of abruptio placenta. The uterus becomes hard and tense as a result of the bleeding and contraction of the uterine muscles. This can impair the blood flow to the fetus and cause fetal distress.
Choice E: Absent fetal heart tones is a sign of abruptio placenta. The loss of blood and oxygen to the fetus can cause fetal death or stillbirth. Fetal heart tones can be detected by using a Doppler device or a fetoscope.
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