A nurse is discussing the limitations of the Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) with a pregnant client.
What should the nurse include as a limitation of this test?
The inability to detect neural tube defects.
The potential risk of preterm labor.
The need for invasive procedures for confirmation.
The high cost of the test
The Correct Answer is C
An AFP test is a blood test that measures the amount of AFP present in blood. It’s usually part of a screening test for genetic problems and birth defects in the second trimester of pregnancy.
However, it has some limitations, such as:
• Choice A is wrong because the AFP test can detect neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
• Choice B is wrong because the AFP test does not pose any risk of preterm labor. It is a simple blood test that does not affect the pregnancy.
• Choice D is wrong because the AFP test is not very expensive and is usually covered by insurance.
The main limitation of the AFP test is that it is not very accurate and can have false-positive or false-negative results.
A false-positive result means that the test suggests a problem when there is none.
A false-negative result means that the test misses a problem that exists. Therefore, if the AFP test shows an abnormal result, it needs to be confirmed by more invasive procedures, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These procedures involve taking samples of fluid or tissue from the womb and can have some risks, such as infection, bleeding, or miscarriage.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The AFP test is usually performed between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation.
This test is a screening tool that measures the level of AFP in the blood of a pregnant woman.It can help detect some genetic disorders or neural tube defects in the fetus.
Choice A is wrong because the AFP test is not typically performed during the first trimester.It is most accurate between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy.
Choice C is wrong because the AFP test is not done at the same time as the glucose tolerance test.The glucose tolerance test is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes.
Choice D is wrong because the AFP test is not performed in the immediate postpartum period.It is a prenatal screening test that is done before the baby is born.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation.This is because an AFP test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s risk for having certain genetic problems and birth defects.AFP is a protein that a developing baby makes in the liver.Normally, some AFP passes from the baby into the pregnant person’s blood.
Choice A is wrong because before 15 weeks of gestation, the AFP levels are too low to be measured accurately.
Choice C is wrong because after 20 weeks of gestation, the AFP levels start to decline and may not reflect the fetal condition.
Choice D is wrong because an AFP test is not only for people who have diabetes mellitus.It is routinely offered to all pregnant people between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy.Diabetes mellitus may affect the accuracy of the test, but it is not a requirement for having it.
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