Question 1

The primary reason for evaluating alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)levels in maternal serum is to determine if the fetus has

Accepted Answer

Evaluating AFP levels in maternal serum is a screening test commonly used to detect neural tube defects in the developing fetus. High levels of AFP may indicate that the fetus has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

Question 2

Transvaginal ultrasonography is often performed during the first trimester.While preparing your 6-week-gestation patient for this procedure,she expresses concerns over the necessity for this test.The nurse should explain that this diagnostic test may be necessary to determine which of the following? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A,B,C,E

Question 3

Nurses should be aware of the strengths and limitations of various biochemical assessments during pregnancy,including that

Accepted Answer

MSAFP is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test, and is used to identify individuals who may require more definitive procedures for further evaluation. CVS is an invasive diagnostic test recommended for women older than 35 years, those with a family history of genetic disorders, or those who have abnormal findings on prenatal screening tests. PUBS is an invasive diagnostic test recommended when other diagnostic tests have not provided sufficient information. Screening for MSAFP is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, not 10-12 weeks.

Question 4

When is the best time to determine gestational age based on biparietal diameter through ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

The biparietal diameter measurement is typically accurate between 12 to 20 weeks of gestation. Before this time, the measurement may not be as reliable due to the varying sizes of embryos and fetuses. After 20 weeks, the shape of the fetal head changes and other measurements are used to estimate gestational age.

Question 5

Which diagnostic test evaluates the effect of fetal movement on fetal heart activity?

Accepted Answer

The nonstress test (NST) evaluates fetal heart activity in response to fetal movement. The CST evaluates the effect of contractions on fetal heart activity, sonography evaluates fetal anatomy, and the biophysical profile combines multiple tests to evaluate fetal well-being.

Question 6

Ultrasonography is an important and safe technique used in antepartum surveillance.It provides critical information related to fetal activity,gestational age and fetal well-being.Which statement regarding ultrasonography during pregnancy is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasonography is considered safe and non-invasive for both the mother and fetus. It uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the developing fetus.

Question 7

Which response by the nurse is most appropriate to this statement: "This test isn't my idea,but my husband insists"?

Accepted Answer

This response acknowledges the patient's feelings and opens up a dialogue for further discussion, allowing the patient to express concerns and feel heard.

Question 8

Which analysis of maternal serum may predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus?

Accepted Answer

Multiple-marker screening, which measures levels of various hormones and proteins in maternal serum, can help identify potential chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

Question 9

What is the purpose of amniocentesis for the patient hospitalized at 34 weeks with pregnancy-induced hypertension?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of amniocentesis for a patient hospitalized with pregnancy-induced hypertension at 34 weeks is to determine fetal lung maturity. This information can help guide decisions about delivery timing and the need for interventions to support the baby's respiratory function. Identification of abnormal fetal cells, detection of metabolic disorders, and identification of sex of the fetus are not typically the primary reasons for performing amniocentesis in this clinical scenario.

Question 10

A woman who is 36 weeks pregnant reports to the labor and delivery triage area expressing concerns that her baby "is not moving." Along with a nonstress test (NST)the nurse might also use ______________ to determine fetal well-being.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A woman who is 36 weeks pregnant...

Question 11

The nurse's role in diagnostic testing is to provide

Accepted Answer

The nurse's role in diagnostic testing is primarily to provide information about the tests, including their purpose, risks, benefits, and potential outcomes to the patient. The nurse may also provide emotional support, but the primary focus is on providing accurate and clear information about the diagnostic tests. The other options (A, B, and D) may be relevant in certain contexts but are not the primary role of the nurse in this scenario.

Question 12

An NST in which two or more fetal heart rate (FHR)accelerations of 15 beats per minute (bpm)or more occur with fetal movement in a 20-minute period is termed

Accepted Answer

A reactive NST is one in which there are two or more FHR accelerations of at least 15 bpm above the baseline with fetal movement in a 20-minute period. Therefore, the best choice is D, "Reactive."

Question 13

While working with the pregnant woman in her first trimester,the nurse is aware that chorionic villus sampling can be performed during pregnancy as early as _____ weeks.

Accepted Answer

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is typically performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.

Question 14

The purpose of initiating contractions in a CST is to

Accepted Answer

The Contraction Stress Test (CST) is designed to apply a stressful stimulus to the fetus by inducing contractions to evaluate how well the fetus can handle the stress of labor.

Question 15

In many settings,nurses may perform nonstress tests (NST),conduct an initial assessment of the woman and begin necessary interventions for nonreassuring results.These nursing procedures are accomplished after additional education and training under established protocols.Which nursing action is necessary when preparing the patient for the NST?

Accepted Answer

The woman should be seated comfortably in a reclining chair to ensure she is relaxed and to facilitate accurate monitoring during the NST.

Question 16

The nurse providing care for the pregnant woman understands that a factor indicating the need for fetal diagnostic procedures is

Accepted Answer

Maternal diabetes increases the risk of fetal abnormalities and may warrant fetal diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling. Maternal age older than 35 years and previous infant macrosomia are also risk factors, but weight gain alone is not an indication for fetal diagnostic procedures.

Question 17

The major advantage of chorionic villus sampling (CVS)over amniocentesis is that it

Accepted Answer

The major advantage of CVS over amniocentesis is that it is performed earlier in pregnancy, typically between 10-13 weeks, while amniocentesis is typically performed between 15-20 weeks. It allows for earlier detection of genetic abnormalities or disorders, providing more time for parents to make decisions about their pregnancy if necessary. However, CVS does carry a slightly higher risk of miscarriage than amniocentesis.

Question 18

Which nursing intervention is necessary before a second-trimester transabdominal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Before a second-trimester transabdominal ultrasound, the woman should be instructed to drink 1 to 2 quarts of water to fill the bladder and provide a better view of the uterus and fetus. None of the other interventions listed are necessary before this type of ultrasound.

Question 19

A pregnant woman's biophysical profile score is 8.She asks the nurse to explain the results.The nurse's best response is

Accepted Answer

A biophysical profile score of 8 is considered normal, indicating that the fetus has a low probability of experiencing fetal distress. Therefore, there is no need for immediate delivery or further testing. The nurse can reassure the pregnant woman that the test results are within normal limits.

Question 20

Percutaneous umbilical cord sampling (PUBS),also called cordocentesis,involves the aspiration of fetal blood from the umbilical cord for prenatal diagnosis or therapy.Major indications include (select all that apply)

Accepted Answer

PUBS is used for diagnosing and managing Rh disease, detecting fetal infections, and obtaining fetal blood for karyotyping. It is not typically used for assessing fetal well-being or lung maturity.

Quiz 15: Prenatal Diagnostic Tests

The primary reason for evaluating alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in maternal serum is to determine if the fetus has