The primary reason for evaluating alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in maternal serum is to determine whether the fetus has which condition?
- A. Hemophilia
- B. Sickle cell anemia
- C. A neural tube defect
- D. Abnormal lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratio
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An open neural tube allows a high level of AFP to seep into the amniotic fluid and enter maternal serum, indicating a neural tube defect.
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The woman's partner is lightly stroking her abdomen as an alternative to medication for pain relief in labor. What is this known as?
- A. Counterpressure
- B. Effieurage
- C. Guided imagery
- D. Biofeedback
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Counterpressure. This technique involves applying pressure to specific areas to alleviate pain during labor. In this scenario, the partner is using light strokes on the woman's abdomen to provide pain relief. Counterpressure helps release endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and distracts the brain from focusing on the pain sensations. Effleurage (B) is a gentle stroking technique used for relaxation, not specifically for pain relief. Guided imagery (C) involves visualizing calming scenes to reduce stress, not directly addressing pain. Biofeedback (D) is a method of monitoring and controlling physiological responses, not a hands-on pain relief technique like counterpressure.
Which feature would be absent in a 41-week gestation fetus?
- A. Fingernails
- B. Eyelashes
- C. Lanugo
- D. Milia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lanugo, the fine hair covering the fetus, typically sheds before term, making it absent in a 41-week gestation fetus.
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 24 weeks gestation and reports difficulty breathing, especially when lying flat. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Assess the patient's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
- B. Encourage the patient to rest and limit physical activity.
- C. Administer oxygen and prepare the patient for delivery.
- D. Ask the patient to lie on her left side and monitor for improvement.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Assessing the patient's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation is essential to determine the severity of the breathing difficulty.
Step 2: It helps in identifying potential respiratory issues or complications that may require immediate intervention.
Step 3: This data will guide the nurse in making informed decisions regarding further management and treatment.
Step 4: Encouraging rest (B) may be appropriate after assessment. Administering oxygen and preparing for delivery (C) is premature without assessment. Asking the patient to lie on her left side (D) without initial assessment may delay necessary interventions.
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 12 weeks gestation and reports feeling fatigued. Which of the following is the nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. Fatigue is normal during the first trimester and should improve in the second trimester.
- B. You should rest as much as possible, but try to get up and move regularly to prevent complications.
- C. Fatigue may indicate an underlying medical condition and should be investigated immediately.
- D. I will prescribe iron supplements to help with your fatigue.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Fatigue is common in the first trimester due to hormonal changes and increased energy demands.
2. Second trimester typically brings relief as hormone levels stabilize and energy levels increase.
3. Reassuring the patient about the normalcy of fatigue promotes understanding and reduces anxiety.
Summary:
- Choice B focuses on rest but does not address the normalcy of fatigue in the first trimester.
- Choice C jumps to conclusions without considering common causes first.
- Choice D assumes iron deficiency without assessing the patient's overall health status.
A pregnant patient is concerned about the use of caffeine during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Caffeine is completely safe during pregnancy and has no impact on the baby.
- B. Moderate caffeine consumption is safe, but it is recommended to limit it to 200 mg per day.
- C. You should avoid caffeine completely to prevent any complications.
- D. Caffeine can cause premature labor, so it should be avoided entirely.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Moderate caffeine consumption is safe, but it is recommended to limit it to 200 mg per day during pregnancy. This answer is appropriate because it balances the potential risks of caffeine with the benefits of moderate consumption. Excessive caffeine intake has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, so setting a limit is a prudent approach.
Explanation for Incorrect Choices:
A: This statement is incorrect as excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy can have negative effects on the baby.
C: Complete avoidance of caffeine is not necessary unless the individual has specific health concerns that warrant it.
D: While high levels of caffeine can be linked to complications, the statement that caffeine always causes premature labor is an oversimplification.