Chapter 15 Prenatal Diagnostic Tests

Chapter 15  Prenatal Diagnostic Tests

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A pregnant woman’s biophysical profile score is 8. She asks the nurse to explain the results.

The nurse’s best response is
a. “The test results are within normal limits.”
b. “Immediate delivery by cesarean birth is needed.”
c. “Further tests are needed to determine the meaning of this score.”
d. “We will inform you of your options within the next week.”

ANS: A
The normal biophysical score ranges from 8 to 10 points if the amniotic fluid volume is
adequate. A normal score allows conservative treatment of high-risk patients. Delivery can be
delayed if fetal well-being is indicated. An immediate delivery is not needed. The results of
the biophysical profile are usually available immediately after the procedure is performed.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding
REF: p. 283 | Table 15.1 OBJ: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

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

a. Multiple-marker screening
b. Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
c. Biophysical profile
d. Type and crossmatch of maternal and fetal serum

ANS: A
Maternal serum can be analyzed for abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic
gonadotropin, and estriol. This multiple-marker screening may predict chromosomal defects
in the fetus. The L/S ratio is used to determine fetal lung maturity. A biophysical profile is
used for evaluating fetal status during the antepartum period. Five variables are used, but none
is concerned with chromosomal problems. The blood type and crossmatch will not predict
chromosomal defects in the fetus.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge/Remembering
REF: p. 278 OBJ: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

3. The nurse providing care for the pregnant woman understands that a factor indicating the need

for fetal diagnostic procedures is
a. maternal diabetes.
b. maternal age older than 30 years.
c. previous infant more than 3000 g at birth.
d. weight gain of 25 pounds.

ANS: A

Diabetes is a risk factor in pregnancy because of possible impairment of placental perfusion.
Other indications for testing include a maternal age greater than 35 years, having had another
infant weighing greater than 4000 g at birth, or excessive weight gain. A weight gain of 25 to
35 pounds is recommended for the woman who begins pregnancy at a normal weight.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge/Remembering
REF: Box 15.1 OBJ: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

4. When is the best time to determine gestational age based on biparietal diameter through

ultrasound?
a. First trimester only
b. Second trimester only
c. Any time
d. Second half of pregnancy

ANS: D
The biparietal diameter is used to determine gestational age during the second half of
pregnancy.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge/Remembering
REF: p. 276 OBJ: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

5. The primary reason for evaluating alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in maternal serum is to

determine if the fetus has
a. hemophilia.
b. a neural tube defect.
c. sickle cell anemia.
d. a normal lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio.

ANS: B
An open neural tube allows a high level of AFP to seep into the amniotic fluid and enter the
maternal serum. Hemophilia is a genetic defect and is best detected with chromosomal studies
such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. Sickle cell is a genetic defect and is best
detected with chromosomal studies such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. L/S
ratios are determined with an amniocentesis, which is usually done in the third trimester.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge/Remembering
REF: p. 277 OBJ: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity