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 B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. The nurse should inform her that results are typically available within 7 days.
This is known as the rapid CVS result.
A more detailed set of CVS results will be available within 2 weeks.
Choice A is wrong because 24 hours is too short for the laboratory to test the sample of cells from the placenta.
Choice C is wrong because 10-14 days is the timeframe for the more detailed set of CVS results, not the rapid CVS result.
Choice D is wrong because 30 days is too long for the results to be available.
The woman would need to know the results sooner to make informed decisions about her pregnancy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
There are no known risks or complications for the pregnant person or the fetus.
Prenatal ultrasound is a safe and noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the fetus and the placenta.
It does not use radiation or harm the fetal tissues.
Choice A is wrong because ultrasound does not cause harm to the fetus.
There is no evidence that ultrasound has any adverse effects on fetal development, growth, or health.
Choice C is wrong because pregnant individuals do not need to avoid ultrasound due to potential radiation exposure.
Ultrasound does not involve radiation, unlike x-rays or CT scans.
Choice D is wrong because ultrasound does not lead to miscarriage or preterm labor.
Ultrasound is not associated with any increased risk of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, preterm labor, or birth defects.
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