A patient asks the healthcare provider about the benefits of receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Which statement is the most appropriate response by the healthcare provider?

Choice A reason: This is not an appropriate response by the nurse, as an ultrasound is not a screening tool for spina bifida. Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly. It can be detected by a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) or by a detailed ultrasound that shows the spine and the brain.

Choice B reason: This is not an appropriate response by the nurse, as an ultrasound is not necessary to determine if there is more than one fetus. Multiple fetuses can be detected by other methods, such as listening to the fetal heartbeats, measuring the fundal height, or feeling the fetal movements.

Choice C reason: This is an appropriate response by the nurse, as an ultrasound assists in identifying the location of the placenta and fetus. This is important for an amniocentesis, which is a procedure that involves inserting a needle through the abdomen and the uterus to collect a sample of amniotic fluid. The ultrasound helps to guide the needle and avoid injuring the placenta or the fetus.

Choice D reason: This is not an appropriate response by the nurse, as an ultrasound is not useful for estimating fetal age at 36 weeks of gestation. Fetal age can be estimated by an ultrasound in the first trimester, when the fetus is growing at a predictable rate and has distinct features. However, in the third trimester, the fetus grows at different rates and has more variations in size and shape. Therefore, an ultrasound is less accurate and reliable for estimating fetal age at this stage.

Choice A reason: You can receive an influenza vaccination during pregnancy, as it is safe and recommended for pregnant women. The flu vaccine can protect you and your baby from serious complications of influenza, such as pneumonia, preterm labor, and low birth weight. The flu vaccine can also provide some immunity to your baby for the first few months of life. ¹

Choice B reason: You can receive the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, as it is safe and recommended for pregnant women. The Tdap vaccine can protect you and your baby from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis can be very dangerous for newborns, as it can cause severe coughing, breathing problems, and even death. The Tdap vaccine can also provide some immunity to your baby for the first few months of life.

Choice C reason: You should not receive a varicella vaccine before you deliver, as it is not recommended for pregnant women. The varicella vaccine can protect you and your baby from chickenpox, which can cause serious complications such as skin infections, pneumonia, and birth defects. However, the varicella vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus that can cause infection in some people. Therefore, it is not safe for pregnant women or their babies.

Choice D reason: You should not receive the rubella vaccine while breastfeeding, as it is not recommended for breastfeeding women. The rubella vaccine can protect you and your baby from rubella, which can cause serious complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. However, the rubella vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus that can cause infection in some people. Therefore, it is not safe for breastfeeding women or their babies.