A nurse is explaining the purpose of a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound to a pregnant client.
What does this ultrasound measure?
Fetal growth and development.
Blood flow in the umbilical cord.
Chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
Structural abnormalities in the baby's organs.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because a nuchal translucency ultrasound measures the amount of fluid behind the baby’s neck in the first trimester of pregnancy, which can indicate the risk of having a chromosomal condition like Down syndrome.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
Choice A is wrong because fetal growth and development are not directly related to the nuchal translucency measurement.
Fetal growth and development are assessed by other parameters such as crown-rump length, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, etc.
Choice B is wrong because blood flow in the umbilical cord is not measured by the nuchal translucency ultrasound.
Blood flow in the umbilical cord is assessed by Doppler ultrasound, which evaluates the resistance and velocity of blood flow in the umbilical artery and vein.
Choice D is wrong because structural abnormalities in the baby’s organs are not detected by the nuchal translucency ultrasound.
Structural abnormalities in the baby’s organs are diagnosed by a detailed anatomy scan, which is usually performed in the second trimester of pregnancy.
The normal range for nuchal translucency is between 1 mm and 3 mm.
A measurement above 3 mm is considered increased and may indicate a higher risk of chromosomal or genetic conditions.
However, a nuchal translucency ultrasound is a screening test and not a diagnostic test, so it does not confirm or rule out any condition.
It only provides a probability based on statistical calculations.
Therefore, further testing may be recommended if the nuchal translucency measurement is increased or if other risk factors are present.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“The patient should have a full bladder for a transabdominal US and an empty bladder for a transvaginal US.”1 This is because a full bladder helps to lift the uterus and improve the visibility of the pelvic organs in a transabdominal US, while an empty bladder prevents distortion of the image in a transvaginal US.
Choice B is wrong because tight-fitting clothing is not necessary and lying prone on an examination table is uncomfortable and may interfere with the insertion of the vaginal probe.
Choice C is wrong because loose-fitting clothing is not necessary and lying supine on an examination table may cause supine hypotension syndrome in pregnant women.
Choice D is wrong because loose-fitting clothing is not necessary and lying prone on an examination table is uncomfortable and may interfere with the insertion of the vaginal probe.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client should not eat a light meal before an abdominal ultrasound because it can interfere with the quality of the images.
The client should fast for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure.
Some additional information about the other choices are:
Choice A is correct.
The client should drink plenty of fluids before an appointment for an abdominal ultrasound because it helps to fill the bladder and push the uterus up for better visualization.
Choice C is correct.
The client should wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or lifted up to expose the abdomen.
Choice D is correct.
The client should arrive at the appointment with a full bladder because it acts as an acoustic window and improves the quality of the ultrasound images.
Normal ranges for fetal growth and development during pregnancy vary depending on the gestational age, but some general parameters are:
Fetal heart rate: 110 to 160 beats per minute
Biparietal diameter: 2.4 to 9.5 cm
Crown-rump length: 0.8 to 8.4 cm
Femur length: 1.0 to 7.8 cm
Abdominal circumference: 9.4 to 35.6 cm
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