A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test at 15 weeks of gestation.
The nurse provides which of the following explanations about this test to the client?
It is a diagnostic test for spinal defects in the fetus.
It is a screening test for spinal defects in the fetus.
It is a diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
It is a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetu.
The Correct Answer is B
A maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test is a type of prenatal blood test that measures the levels of MSAFP in the blood of a pregnant person. The test helps the healthcare provider assess the baby’s risk of certain medical conditions, such as neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities. The test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
A screening test means that it does not diagnose any health conditions, but only indicates the probability of having them.
A positive test means that the baby has a higher risk of having a birth defect, but it does not confirm it.
A negative test means that the baby has a lower risk of having a birth defect, but it does not rule it out. Further tests are needed to confirm or exclude the diagnosis.
A diagnostic test means that it can provide a definite diagnosis of a health condition. A maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test is not a diagnostic test for spinal defects or chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Statement A is wrong because it says that the test is a diagnostic test for spinal defects in the fetus, which is not true.
Statement C is wrong because it says that the test is a diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, which is not true.
Statement D is wrong because it says that the test is a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, which is only partially true. The test can screen for some chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, but not all of them.
The test also screens for neural tube defects, which are not chromosomal abnormalities.
Normal ranges for MSAFP vary depending on the gestational age and the laboratory methods used. Generally, MSAFP levels increase until about 32 weeks of pregnancy and then decrease until delivery.
High levels of MSAFP may indicate neural tube defects, multiple pregnancies, incorrect dating of pregnancy, or other conditions. Low levels of MSAFP may indicate Down syndrome, other chromosomal abnormalities, or other conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
An equivocal CST indicates late decelerations of the FHR with less than 50% of contractions.
This means that the fetus may have some degree of hypoxia or distress, but not enough to warrant immediate delivery.
An equivocal CST may also result from hyperstimulation of the uterus, which can cause excessive contractions and reduce blood flow to the placenta.
Choice B is wrong because late decelerations of the FHR with at least 50% of contractions is a positive CST, which indicates a high risk of fetal death due to hypoxia and is a contraindication to labor.
Choice C is wrong because no late decelerations of the FHR during contractions is a negative CST, which indicates a good fetal wellbeing and tolerance of labor.
Choice D is wrong because variable decelerations of the FHR with or without contractions are not related to uterine activity and may indicate cord compression or other fetal problems.
Variable decelerations are not used to interpret CST results.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This method can be used to induce uterine contractions during the test by stimulating the uterus with a hormone that causes contractions.
Oxytocin is also the hormone that naturally triggers labor contractions.
Choice A is wrong because nipple stimulation can also induce contractions, but it is not as reliable or controllable as oxytocin infusion.
Choice C is wrong because oral medications are not used to induce contractions during a CST.
Some medications may interfere with the test results or cause side effects.
Choice D is wrong because applying warm compresses to the abdomen does not induce contractions.
It may help with pain relief or relaxation, but it does not affect the uterus.
Normal ranges for uterine contractions during a CST are three contractions in 10 minutes, each lasting 40 to 60 seconds.
Normal ranges for fetal heart rate during a CST are 110 to 160 beats per minute, with no decelerations after contractions.
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