A nurse in a clinic is reviewing the medical records of a group of clients who are pregnant.
The nurse should anticipate the provider will order a maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) screening for which of the following clients?
All of the clients
A client who has a history of preterm labor
A client who has mitral valve prolapse
A client who has been exposed to AIDS
The Correct Answer is A
A) All of the clients: Maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) screening is a routine prenatal test offered to all pregnant women, usually between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. It is used to screen for certain fetal anomalies, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Regardless of a client's medical history or risk factors, the MSAFP screening is typically recommended for all pregnant individuals as part of routine prenatal care.
B) A client who has a history of preterm labor: Preterm labor history is not a specific indication for MSAFP screening. This test is primarily used to screen for fetal anomalies, not preterm labor risk assessment.
C) A client who has mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is also not an indication for MSAFP screening. The test is focused on assessing fetal health and not maternal heart conditions.
D) A client who has been exposed to AIDS: MSAFP screening is not related to maternal exposure to AIDS. It is a test focused on assessing the fetus's risk of certain congenital abnormalities.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Kegel exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role during childbirth. Strengthening these muscles can aid in better control during labor and delivery, facilitating stretching and reducing the risk of injury.
Choice B: Kegel exercises do not have a direct impact on preventing constipation during pregnancy. However, they may help improve bowel control and prevent fecal incontinence.
Choice C: While Kegel exercises can improve posture and core strength, their primary benefit lies in strengthening the pelvic muscles, not directly reducing backaches throughout pregnancy.
Choice D: Kegel exercises are not intended to prevent stretch marks on the abdomen. Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin during pregnancy and are not related to pelvic muscle exercises.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Fetal lung maturity is not assessed through maternal serum alphafetoprotein testing. It is usually evaluated through tests such as amniocentesis or specialized ultrasound examinations closer to the third trimester.
Choice B: The maternal serum alphafetoprotein test specifically screens for certain birth defects and genetic conditions in the fetus, rather than general signs of physical and physiological
wellbeing.
Choice C: The maternal serum alphafetoprotein test is not used to identify Rh incompatibility. Rh incompatibility is determined through blood tests that assess the Rh factor of the mother's blood and the Rh status of the baby.
Choice D: The maternal serum alphafetoprotein test is a blood screening test that can identify neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) and chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) in the fetus. The test measures the levels of alphafetoprotein in the mother's blood, and abnormal levels may indicate the need for further diagnostic testing.
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