A nurse is caring for a client who is 6 hours postpartum. The client is Rh-negative and her newborn is Rh-positive. The client asks why an indirect Coombs test was ordered by the provider. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
"It detects positive antibodies in the mother's blood."
"It detects Rh-negative antibodies in the newborn's blood."
"It determines if kernicterus will occur in the newborn."
"It determines the presence of maternal antibodies in the newborn's blood."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: The indirect Coombs test is used to screen for antibodies in the mother's blood that could potentially cause hemolytic disease in the newborn if they are Rh-positive. A positive result indicates that the mother has developed antibodies that could cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus.
Choice B reason: The indirect Coombs test does not detect Rh-negative antibodies in the newborn's blood. Instead, it is used to detect antibodies in the mother's blood. The direct Coombs test is used to detect antibodies that are already attached to the red blood cells of the newborn.
Choice C reason: The indirect Coombs test does not determine if kernicterus will occur in the newborn. Kernicterus is a form of brain damage that can result from very high levels of bilirubin in a baby's blood. It is not directly related to the presence of antibodies detected by the indirect Coombs test.
Choice D reason: The indirect Coombs test does not determine the presence of maternal antibodies in the newborn's blood. This is assessed by the direct Coombs test, which checks for antibodies bound to the surface of the newborn's red blood cells, indicating that the immune system is attacking them.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Limiting alcohol consumption is important during pregnancy to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome and other developmental issues, but it is not specifically related to the prevention of neural tube defects. Alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients, but folic acid intake is the key factor in preventing neural tube defects.
Choice b reason:
Avoiding foods containing aspartame is often recommended for overall health, but there is no direct link between aspartame and neural tube defects. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in many diet foods and beverages, and while some people choose to avoid it for various health reasons, it is not specifically associated with neural tube defects.
Choice c reason:
Increasing the intake of iron-rich foods is crucial for preventing anemia during pregnancy and ensuring the baby has enough iron stores. However, iron does not play a direct role in the prevention of neural tube defects. Neural tube defects are related to folic acid, not iron.
Choice d reason:
Consuming foods fortified with folic acid is the most critical factor in preventing neural tube defects. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential for the proper development of the neural tube, which becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice a) Reason: History of migraines
Women with a history of migraines may experience an improvement or worsening of their migraine symptoms during pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, can be associated with migraines due to hormonal changes, stress, or dehydration that pregnancy may exacerbate.
Choice b) Reason: History of gestational hypertension
Gestational hypertension typically develops after 20 weeks of gestation, so it would not be expected in a client at 8 weeks of gestation. Additionally, there is no direct correlation between gestational hypertension and hyperemesis gravidarum.
Choice c) Reason: Twin gestations
Twin or multiple gestations can increase the likelihood of hyperemesis gravidarum due to higher levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and other pregnancy-related hormones. These elevated hormone levels are associated with more severe nausea and vomiting.
Choice d) Reason: Nulliparous
Nulliparity (having never given birth) is not directly associated with an increased risk of hyperemesis gravidarum. However, first-time pregnancies can be unpredictable, and the condition can occur regardless of parity.
Choice e) Reason: Oligohydramnios
Oligohydramnios refers to a decreased amount of amniotic fluid and is not typically associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. It is more commonly related to conditions affecting the placenta or fetal kidneys.
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