A nurse is explaining the purpose of an Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) to a pregnant client.
What is the test primarily used for ?
Screening for neural tube defects.
Assessing placental function.
Determining fetal gender
Diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities
The Correct Answer is A
An alpha-fetoprotein test (AFP) is a blood test that measures the amount of AFP present in blood.
It’s usually part of what’s called a triple screen or quad screen in the second trimester of pregnancy.
The yolk sac, GI tract, and liver of an unborn baby produce AFP.
It then circulates through the fetal and maternal blood.
High levels of AFP in pregnant people can indicate that the baby has a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
Choice B is wrong because assessing placental function is not the primary purpose of an AFP test.
However, low levels of AFP can indicate problems with the placenta or the baby’s growth.
Choice C is wrong because determining fetal gender is not the primary purpose of an AFP test.
However, some genetic tests that use a sample of the baby’s DNA from the pregnant person’s blood can reveal the baby’s sex as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities is not the primary purpose of an AFP test.
However, an AFP test is usually part of a quad screen that also tests for other markers that can indicate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
To measure the fetal heart rate (FHR) in response to fetal movements.
This is because the FHR should increase by at least 15 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds when the fetus moves, which indicates a healthy and reactive fetus.
This is called an acceleration.
Choice B is wrong because the uterine contractions are not related to the fetal movements or the button pressing.
The uterine contractions are measured by a tocodynamometer or an intrauterine pressure catheter.
Choice C is wrong because the fetal oxygenation and neurological function are not directly measured by the button pressing.
The fetal oxygenation can be assessed by the FHR variability and decelerations, while the neurological function can be evaluated by other tests such as biophysical profile or fetal acoustic stimulation.
Choice D is wrong because the fetal well-being and hypoxia or distress are not indicated by the button pressing alone.
The fetal well-being and hypoxia or distress are determined by the FHR patterns, such as baseline, variability, accelerations and decelerations.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The patient should wear loose-fitting clothing and lie supine on an examination table.
This is because loose-fitting clothing allows easy access to the abdomen and lying supine helps relax the abdominal muscles.
The patient should also avoid food and drinks for 8 to 12 hours before the test, as undigested food can interfere with the sound waves and affect the image quality.
Choice A is wrong because a full bladder is not necessary for an abdominal ultrasound, unless the patient is pregnant or has a pelvic condition.
A transvaginal ultrasound is a different type of ultrasound that uses a probe inserted into the vagina to examine the reproductive organs.
Choice B is wrong because tight-fitting clothing can restrict the movement of the ultrasound probe and make it harder to get a clear image.
Lying prone (on the stomach) can also tense up the abdominal muscles and obscure the organs.
Choice D is wrong because lying prone can have the same disadvantages as choice B. Additionally, wearing loose-fitting clothing does not mean that the patient can eat or drink anything before the test, as this can affect the results.
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