During a discussion about the Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP), a pregnant client asks about the risks associated with the test.
What is the appropriate response by the nurse?
"The AFP test carries no risks or complications for you or the fetus.".
"The AFP test may cause bleeding or infection at the blood draw site.".
"The AFP test can result in false-positive or false-negative findings.".
"The AFP test may induce preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes.".
The Correct Answer is C
The AFP test can result in false-positive or false-negative findings. This means that the test may show a high or low level of AFP when there is no problem with the baby, or it may show a normal level of AFP when there is a problem with the baby.
False-positive results can cause unnecessary worry and further testing, while false-negative results can delay diagnosis and treatment of a serious condition.
Choice A is wrong because the AFP test carries some risks or complications for the mother or the fetus. The test involves drawing blood from a vein in the mother’s arm, which can cause bleeding, bruising, infection, or fainting at the puncture site. The test may also cause anxiety or stress for the mother if the results are abnormal.
Choice B is wrong because the AFP test may cause bleeding or infection at the blood draw site, but this is not the only risk or complication associated with the test.
As mentioned above, the test can also result in false-positive or false-negative findings, which can have serious consequences for the mother and the baby.
Choice D is wrong because the AFP test may induce preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes. This is a very rare complication that can occur if the test is done by amniocentesis, which involves inserting a needle into the uterus to collect amniotic fluid. However, most AFP tests are done by blood tests, which do not pose this risk.
Normal ranges for AFP levels vary depending on the gestational age of the baby and the laboratory that performs the test. Generally, AFP levels increase until about 15 weeks of pregnancy and then decrease until delivery. The normal range for AFP levels at 16–18 weeks of pregnancy is about 10–150 ng/mL.
However, different laboratories may use different units or methods to measure AFP levels, so it is important to compare your results with the reference values provided by your laboratory.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
An AFP test is a blood test that measures the amount of AFP present in blood.It’s usually part of a screening test for genetic problems and birth defects in the second trimester of pregnancy.
However, it has some limitations, such as:
• Choice A is wrong because the AFP test can detect neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
• Choice B is wrong because the AFP test does not pose any risk of preterm labor.It is a simple blood test that does not affect the pregnancy.
• Choice D is wrong because the AFP test is not very expensive and is usually covered by insurance.
The main limitation of the AFP test is that it is not very accurate and can have false-positive or false-negative results.
A false-positive result means that the test suggests a problem when there is none.
A false-negative result means that the test misses a problem that exists.Therefore, if the AFP test shows an abnormal result, it needs to be confirmed by more invasive procedures, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).These procedures involve taking samples of fluid or tissue from the womb and can have some risks, such as infection, bleeding, or miscarriage.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation.This is because an AFP test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s risk for having certain genetic problems and birth defects.AFP is a protein that a developing baby makes in the liver.Normally, some AFP passes from the baby into the pregnant person’s blood.
Choice A is wrong because before 15 weeks of gestation, the AFP levels are too low to be measured accurately.
Choice C is wrong because after 20 weeks of gestation, the AFP levels start to decline and may not reflect the fetal condition.
Choice D is wrong because an AFP test is not only for people who have diabetes mellitus.It is routinely offered to all pregnant people between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy.Diabetes mellitus may affect the accuracy of the test, but it is not a requirement for having it.
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