Nokea
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an important biochemical marker for pregnancy and the basis for many tests. A maternity nurse should be aware that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hCG can be detected in the blood as early as 2.5 weeks after conception. This is because hCG is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. The other choices are incorrect. B is incorrect because hCG levels do not increase gradually and uniformly; they rise rapidly in early pregnancy and peak around 8-11 weeks before stabilizing. C is incorrect because lower than normal increases in hCG may indicate a potential issue with the pregnancy, such as a possible miscarriage, rather than a postdate pregnancy. D is incorrect because a higher than normal level of hCG may indicate conditions such as a molar pregnancy or twins, not necessarily ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome.