A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an amniocentesis at 16 weeks gestation.
Which of the following should the nurse report to the provider?
The client’s bladder is full.
The client’s uterus is above the symphysis pubis
The client’s cervix is dilated
The client’s fundal height measures 20 cm
The Correct Answer is C
. 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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Notify the health care provider immediately.
This is because cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours after amniocentesis are signs of possible complications, such as injury to the baby or mother, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, Rh sensitization, preterm labor, or miscarriage.
These complications are rare, but they can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because administering pain medication to the patient does not address the underlying cause of the cramping and bleeding, and may delay seeking help.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to rest and elevate her legs may not prevent further complications, and may also delay seeking help.
Choice D is wrong because offering emotional support and reassurance to the patient is not enough to ensure the safety of the baby and the mother, and may give a false sense of security.
Normal ranges for amniocentesis are:
No chromosomal defects detected in the fetus and no abnormal proteins present in amniotic fluid
No signs of infection or other illness in the baby
Fetal lungs mature enough for birth if delivery is planned sooner than 39 weeks
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.