Advanced Maternal Age Monitoring Related

Review Advanced Maternal Age Monitoring related questions and content

Which is an expected characteristic of amniotic fluid?

  • A. Deep yellow color
  • B. Clear, with small white particles
  • C. Nitrazine test: acidic result
  • D. Absence of ferning
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clear, with small white particles. Amniotic fluid is typically clear with small white particles, representing vernix caseosa. Vernix caseosa is a white, cheese-like substance that covers the skin of the fetus. It helps protect the skin and regulate body temperature. The presence of vernix particles in amniotic fluid is a normal and expected characteristic.

Incorrect choices:
A: Deep yellow color - Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly straw-colored. A deep yellow color may indicate the presence of meconium, which suggests fetal distress.
C: Nitrazine test: acidic result - Amniotic fluid is normally alkaline, not acidic. An acidic result may indicate infection.
D: Absence of ferning - Ferning is a characteristic pattern seen under a microscope in dried cervical mucus, not amniotic fluid. Absence of ferning in amniotic fluid is not a relevant characteristic.