A pregnant patient has a biophysical profile score of 8. What does this result mean?
The patient will need an immediate cesarean delivery.
Additional tests are required to interpret this score.
The test results are normal.
An obstetric specialist will review the profile results and discuss delivery
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is C. The test results are normal.
Choice A rationale:
A biophysical profile (BPP) score of 8 does not necessarily indicate a need for immediate cesarean delivery.
Cesarean delivery is typically reserved for cases where there is a clear and urgent risk to the health of the mother or fetus, such as severe fetal distress or placental abruption.
A score of 8, while not the highest possible score, is still within the normal range and does not, by itself, constitute a reason for immediate surgical intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Additional tests may be considered in certain cases, such as when the BPP score is borderline or when there are other risk factors present.
However, a score of 8 is generally considered reassuring and does not typically warrant further testing.
It's essential to evaluate the BPP score in the context of the overall clinical picture, including the gestational age, maternal health, and fetal history.
Choice D rationale:
While an obstetric specialist may review the BPP results and discuss delivery options with the patient, this is not typically done within a week for a score of 8.
A score of 8 indicates reassuring fetal well-being, and there is usually no need for such urgent consultation or decision-making.
The timing of delivery discussions would depend on the overall clinical situation and the patient's individual preferences.
Choice C rationale:
A BPP score of 8 is considered normal.
It suggests that the fetus is well-oxygenated and has normal heart rate, breathing movements, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid levels.
This score does not raise immediate concerns about fetal well-being and does not typically require any immediate interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Amniocentesis is the most reliable and direct method to assess fetal lung maturity. It involves the extraction of a small sample of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac, which surrounds the fetus in the uterus. This fluid contains various substances, including surfactant, which is a crucial substance produced by the fetal lungs that enables them to expand and function properly after birth.
By analyzing the levels of surfactant and other components in the amniotic fluid, clinicians can accurately determine the maturity of the fetal lungs. This information is essential in guiding decisions about potential delivery options, especially in cases of preterm labor or other complications that may necessitate early delivery.
Amniocentesis is generally considered a safe procedure, but it does carry some small risks, such as infection, bleeding, or amniotic fluid leakage. However, these risks are typically outweighed by the benefits of obtaining accurate information about fetal lung maturity when necessary.
Choice B rationale:
Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a protein that is found in the amniotic fluid and cervicovaginal secretions. Elevated levels of fFN in cervicovaginal secretions between 22 and 34 weeks of gestation can indicate an increased risk of preterm labor.
However, fFN testing is not a direct measure of fetal lung maturity. It is used primarily as a screening tool to assess the risk of preterm birth, not to determine the readiness of the fetal lungs for delivery.
Choice C rationale:
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal diagnostic test that involves taking a small sample of chorionic villi, which are tiny finger-like projections of placental tissue. This test is typically performed earlier in pregnancy (between 10 and 13 weeks gestation) to diagnose genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
CVS is not used to assess fetal lung maturity. It does not provide any information about the development of the fetal lungs or their readiness for birth.
Choice D rationale:
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the fetal liver. Elevated levels of AFP in the maternal blood can indicate an increased risk of certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects.
AFP testing is not used to assess fetal lung maturity. It does not provide any information about the development of the fetal lungs or their readiness for birth.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Drug/alcohol use: While substance abuse during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes such as preterm labor, fetal growth restriction, and birth defects, it is not considered a primary factor in determining high-risk status for this patient. The specific substances involved (cocaine and alcohol) are indeed associated with risks, but they are not as significant as other factors in this case.
Age: The patient's age of 24 is not considered a high-risk factor for pregnancy. Advanced maternal age (typically defined as 35 years or older) is associated with increased risks for chromosomal abnormalities and other complications, but this patient falls below that age threshold.
Family history: Family history of diabetes mellitus, cancer, and neural tube defects can be relevant to pregnancy risk, but in this case, other factors outweigh their significance.
Choice B rationale:
Blood pressure: The patient's blood pressure of 108/70 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not contribute to highrisk categorization. High blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia and other complications, but this patient does not present with hypertension.
Age: As explained in Choice A, the patient's age is not a high-risk factor.
BMI: A BMI of 17 is considered underweight, which can increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. However, in this case, other factors are more significant in determining high-risk status.
Choice C rationale:
Family history: The patient's family history of a neural tube defect (NTD) in a close relative is a significant risk factor for NTDs in her own pregnancy. NTDs are serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord, and they can have lifelong implications for the child. This factor alone warrants a high-risk categorization.
BMI: The patient's underweight BMI of 17 further contributes to her high-risk status, as it can increase the likelihood of certain complications as mentioned earlier.
Drug/alcohol abuse: The patient's admission of cocaine and alcohol use, even if occasional, is a concerning factor for pregnancy. Cocaine, in particular, is a potent vasoconstrictor that can negatively impact fetal growth and development. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which can cause a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems.
Choice D rationale:
Age: As explained previously, the patient's age is not a high-risk factor.
BMI: The patient's BMI is a contributing factor, but not the most significant one in this case.
Family history: The patient's family history is relevant, but the presence of a neural tube defect in a close relative is the most significant aspect of her family history in terms of pregnancy risk.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.