A pregnant client is at the prenatal clinic for a fetal nuchal translucency test.
What does the nurse understand about this test?
It’s a screening test for trisomy 21.
It’s a diagnostic test for neural tube defects.
It’s only available in the second trimester.
It’s considered normal when greater than 3mm.
It’s considered normal when greater than 3mm.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21.
The nuchal translucency test (NT) is a non-invasive ultrasound screening test that measures the thickness of the fluid-filled space at the back of a developing baby's neck.
Evidence suggests that fetuses with Down syndrome tend to have increased fluid accumulation in this area, resulting in a larger-than-average nuchal translucency measurement.
Therefore, an increased NT measurement can be a marker for an increased risk of Down syndrome.
It's important to emphasize that the NT test is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test.
This means it can only indicate an increased risk of Down syndrome; it cannot definitively diagnose the condition.
To confirm a diagnosis, further testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, is required.
Choice B rationale:
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are birth defects that affect the brain, spine, or spinal cord.
The most common NTDs are spina bifida and anencephaly.
The NT test is not a diagnostic test for NTDs, although it might detect some cases of open spina bifida.
However, it's not specifically designed for this purpose, and other tests, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening or detailed ultrasound, are more reliable for diagnosing NTDs.
Choice C rationale:
The NT test is typically performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, between 11 and 14 weeks gestation.
It's not available in the second trimester because the nuchal translucency measurement becomes less reliable after this point in pregnancy.
Choice D rationale:
A nuchal translucency measurement of 3mm or less is generally considered normal.
Measurements greater than 3mm are associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.
The higher the measurement, the greater the risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
correct answer/s is A and D.
Choice A rationale:
Prostaglandins:
Mechanism of action: Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that play a crucial role in labor initiation. They act by softening and ripening the cervix, stimulating uterine contractions, and rupturing the amniotic sac.
Types: Prostaglandins used for labor induction include:
Dinoprostone (Cervidil, Prepidil): Inserted into the vagina as a gel or pessary.
Misoprostol (Cytotec): Administered orally or vaginally.
Effectiveness: Generally effective in initiating labor within 24 hours, with success rates ranging from 60-85%.
Advantages:
Can be used when the cervix is unfavorable (not ripe).
Can be administered in a variety of ways to suit the patient's preferences.
May have a lower risk of uterine hyperstimulation compared to oxytocin.
Disadvantages:
Can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
May increase the risk of uterine rupture, especially in women with a history of cesarean delivery.
Choice D rationale:
Amnioinfusion:
Procedure: Involves the infusion of sterile saline solution into the amniotic sac through a small catheter.
Mechanism of action: Not fully understood, but it's thought to work by:
Increasing amniotic fluid volume, which can help to stimulate contractions.
Stretching the uterine walls, which may trigger the release of prostaglandins.
Reducing pressure on the umbilical cord, which can improve fetal oxygenation.
Effectiveness: Usually used in conjunction with other induction methods, such as oxytocin or prostaglandins. Has a success rate of about 50-60% in initiating labor within 24 hours.
Advantages:
May be helpful in cases of low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios).
Can decrease the risk of umbilical cord compression.
Disadvantages:
Requires the insertion of a catheter into the uterus, which carries a small risk of infection.
May cause discomfort for the mother.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, reversing the effects of opioids. This includes respiratory depression, which is a major concern in neonates exposed to opioids during labor.
Nalbuphine is an opioid agonist-antagonist. This means that it has both agonist and antagonist effects at opioid receptors. At low doses, it acts primarily as an agonist, providing pain relief. However, at higher doses, it can also act as an antagonist, blocking the effects of other opioids.
Naloxone can effectively reverse the respiratory depression caused by nalbuphine in neonates. It is a safe and effective medication that is commonly used for this purpose.
Naloxone should be readily available whenever opioids are administered to a laboring woman. This is to ensure that it can be administered promptly if the neonate experiences respiratory depression.
Choice B rationale:
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug. It works by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. This can cause a number of effects, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
Ephedrine is not effective in reversing the respiratory depression caused by opioids. It may even worsen the situation by increasing the neonate's oxygen demand.
Ephedrine is not a safe or effective medication for use in neonates. It can cause serious side effects, such as tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmias.
Choice C rationale:
Promethazine is a phenothiazine antiemetic. It is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Promethazine does not have any effects on opioid receptors. It is not effective in reversing the respiratory depression caused by opioids.
Promethazine can cause sedation and respiratory depression in neonates. It should be used with caution in this population.
Choice D rationale:
Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic. It is similar to nalbuphine in that it is an opioid agonist.
Fentanyl would not be effective in reversing the respiratory depression caused by nalbuphine. In fact, it would likely worsen the situation by further depressing the neonate's respiratory system.
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