A client's Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) result is reported as 1.2 MoM.
How should the nurse interpret this result?
Normal level of AFP for the given gestational age.
High level of AFP indicating a neural tube defect.
Low level of AFP indicating a chromosomal abnormality.
Inconclusive result, requiring further evaluation.
The Correct Answer is A
Normal level of AFP for the given gestational age.
AFP is a protein that the liver makes when its cells are growing and dividing to make new cells.
It is normally high in unborn babies and drops very low after birth.
The AFP test measures the amount of AFP present in blood and can help diagnose certain types of cancer and check how well treatment is working.
It can also help detect some birth defects in pregnant women.
Choice B is wrong because high level of AFP indicating a neural tube defect.
Neural tube defects are abnormalities that affect the brain and spinal cord of the fetus.
They can cause spina bifida, which is a condition where the spine does not close properly.
High levels of AFP can be a sign of neural tube defects, but they can also be caused by other factors, such as multiple pregnancies, inaccurate dating of pregnancy, or fetal death.
Choice C is wrong because low level of AFP indicating a chromosomal abnormality.
Chromosomal abnormalities are genetic disorders that affect the number or structure of chromosomes in the fetus.
They can cause Down syndrome, which is a condition where the fetus has an extra copy of chromosome 212.
Low levels of AFP can be a sign of chromosomal abnormalities, but they can also be caused by other factors, such as inaccurate dating of pregnancy, fetal death, or maternal obesity.
Choice D is wrong because inconclusive result, requiring further evaluation.
An inconclusive result means that the AFP level is neither too high nor too low to indicate a problem with the fetus.
It does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the fetus, but it may require further testing to confirm or rule out any abnormalities.
Normal ranges for AFP levels vary depending on the gestational age and the laboratory that performs the test.
Generally, the normal range for AFP levels in pregnant
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
. The client’s cervix is dilated.
This indicates that the client may be in preterm labor, which is a contraindication for amniocentesis.
Amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for genetic testing or other purposes.
It is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation.
Choice A is wrong because the client’s bladder should be full for amniocentesis.
This helps to push the uterus upward and away from the bladder, reducing the risk of injury and making it easier to visualize the fetus and the needle.
Choice B is wrong because the client’s uterus should be above the symphysis pubis at 16 weeks of gestation.
This is a normal finding and does not affect the procedure.
Choice D is wrong because the client’s fundal height should measure around 16 cm at 16 weeks of gestation.
A fundal height of 20 cm may indicate a large for gestational age fetus, multiple gestation, or polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), but these are not absolute contraindications for amniocentesis.
However, they may require further evaluation and adjustment of the technique.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because AFP levels vary according to the gestational age of the fetus, and reporting them as multiples of the median (MoM) allows for a standardized comparison.
Choice B is wrong because AFP results do not differentiate between neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
They only indicate an increased risk for these conditions, which need further testing to confirm.
Choice C is wrong because AFP results do not assess the risk of fetal demise or multiple gestation.
They only measure the amount of AFP in the maternal blood, which can be affected by various factors such as maternal weight, race, diabetes, and fetal anomalies.
Choice D is wrong because AFP results are reported as MoM regardless of factors such as maternal weight and race.
These factors are taken into account when calculating the MoM value, which adjusts for the expected variation in AFP levels among different populations.
Normal ranges for AFP MoM vary depending on the laboratory and the method used, but generally they are between 0.5 and 2.52.
Values above or below this range may indicate an increased risk for certain fetal conditions or complications.
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