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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A client at 18-weeks gestation was informed this morning that she has an elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. After the healthcare provider leaves the room, the client asks what she should do next. What information should the nurse provide?
A. Discuss options for intrauterine surgical correction of congenital defects.
At this point, the AFP result is only an indicator, not a diagnosis. The client has not undergone sufficient diagnostic evaluation (such as ultrasound) to confirm any congenital defect that would warrant intrauterine surgery. Treatment options can only be discussed once a definitive diagnosis has been made.
B. Inform her that a repeat alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) should be evaluated.
While a repeat AFP test could be done in some cases to rule out lab error or confirm the result, this is not typically the immediate next step. An ultrasound provides more definitive and comprehensive information than simply repeating the AFP test.
C. Reassure the client that the AFP results are likely to be a false reading.
Reassure the client that the AFP results are likely to be a false reading: Providing false reassurance may lead to misunderstandings. While false positives can happen, it's crucial to follow up with further assessments to ensure the accuracy of the results.
D. Explain that a sonogram should be scheduled for definitive results
Explain that a sonogram should be scheduled for definitive results:An elevated AFP level is a screening test, not a definitive diagnosis. A sonogram (ultrasound) is the next step to obtain more detailed information about the fetus. Ultrasound can help assess for neural tube defects, confirm gestational age, and check for other anomalies that could explain the elevated AFP levels. This provides the most accurate and non-invasive method for evaluating potential fetal abnormalities.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Samuel Merrit University Oaklands Hesi Maternity (Labor and Delivery) Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Discuss options for intrauterine surgical correction of congenital defects:At this point, the AFP result is only an indicator, not a diagnosis. The client has not undergone sufficient diagnostic evaluation (such as ultrasound) to confirm any congenital defect that would warrant intrauterine surgery. Treatment options can only be discussed once a definitive diagnosis has been made.
B. Inform her that a repeat alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) should be evaluated:While a repeat AFP test could be done in some cases to rule out lab error or confirm the result, this is not typically the immediate next step. An ultrasound provides more definitive and comprehensive information than simply repeating the AFP test.
C. Reassure the client that the AFP results are likely to be a false reading: Providing false reassurance may lead to misunderstandings. While false positives can happen, it's crucial to follow up with further assessments to ensure the accuracy of the results.
D. Explain that a sonogram should be scheduled for definitive results: An elevated AFP level is a screening test, not a definitive diagnosis. A sonogram (ultrasound) is the next step to obtain more detailed information about the fetus. Ultrasound can help assess for neural tube defects, confirm gestational age, and check for other anomalies that could explain the elevated AFP levels. This provides the most accurate and non-invasive method for evaluating potential fetal abnormalities.
Similar Questions
The healthcare provider prescribes oxytocin 2 milliunits/minute to induce labor for a client at 41-weeks gestation. The nurse initiates an infusion of Ringer's Lactate solution 1000 mL with oxytocin 10 units. How many mL/hour should the nurse program the infusion pump? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number)
Full Explanation
To solve this problem, the nurse needs to convert the units of oxytocin from units to milliunits.
One unit of oxytocin is equal to 1000 milliunits, so 10 units of oxytocin is equal to 10,000 milliunits.
- The concentration of oxytocin in the solution is 10,000 milliunits per 1000 mL, or 10 milliunits per mL.
- To deliver 2 milliunits per minute, the nurse needs to infuse 0.2 mL per minute of the solution.
- To convert from mL per minute to mL per hour, the nurse needs to multiply by 60 minutes per hour.
- Therefore, the nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 0.2 x 60 = 12 mL per hour of the solution.
The nurse is reviewing a woman's health care record during her first prenatal visit. The client has a history of chicken pox as a child and syphills as a teenager. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
A. Obtain blood and urine for prenatal screens
Obtain blood and urine for prenatal screens.This choice is important because it allows the nurse to assess the client's overall health, screen for infections, and identify any potential risks or complications that may impact the pregnancy.
B. Explain common complications of pregnancy
Explain common complications of pregnancy.While educating the client about common complications is valuable, it may not address the immediate need to screen for specific infections or assess the client's current health status. This information can be covered during prenatal education sessions.
C. Obtain baseline blood pressure and weight
Obtain baseline blood pressure and weight. This is a routine part of prenatal care and is important for monitoring the client's health throughout pregnancy. However, if the client has a history of syphilis, obtaining specific prenatal screens (including for syphilis) would be a more targeted and immediate action.
D. Schedule prenatal visits to occur monthly
Schedule prenatal visits to occur monthly.Scheduling regular prenatal visits is essential for monitoring the progression of the pregnancy. However, addressing the specific health concerns and obtaining necessary screens take precedence during the initial visit, especially considering the client's history of syphilis.
Full Explanation
A. Obtain blood and urine for prenatal screens.
This choice is important because it allows the nurse to assess the client's overall health, screen for infections, and identify any potential risks or complications that may impact the pregnancy.
B. Explain common complications of pregnancy.
While educating the client about common complications is valuable, it may not address the immediate need to screen for specific infections or assess the client's current health status. This information can be covered during prenatal education sessions.
C. Obtain baseline blood pressure and weight.
This is a routine part of prenatal care and is important for monitoring the client's health throughout pregnancy. However, if the client has a history of syphilis, obtaining specific prenatal screens (including for syphilis) would be a more targeted and immediate action.
D. Schedule prenatal visits to occur monthly.
Scheduling regular prenatal visits is essential for monitoring the progression of the pregnancy. However, addressing the specific health concerns and obtaining necessary screens take precedence during the initial visit, especially considering the client's history of syphilis.
Which type of anesthesia, used with a client in labor, produces a loss of sensation only to the vagina and perineum?
A. Epidural block
Epidural block: Epidural anesthesia is a regional anesthesia that blocks sensations in a specific region of the body. It is commonly used in labor and delivery to provide pain relief by injecting anesthetic medication into the epidural space, numbing the lower half of the body.
B. Saddle block
Saddle block: A saddle block, also known as a subarachnoid block, is a type of spinal anesthesia. It involves injecting anesthetic medication into the subarachnoid space, providing numbness to the lower half of the body, including the perineum.
C. Paracervical block.
Paracervical block: A paracervical block involves injecting a local anesthetic around the cervix. It is used to provide pain relief during certain medical procedures, such as cervical dilation or biopsy. It does not provide anesthesia to the entire perineum.
D. Pudendal block
Pudendal block: A pudendal block involves injecting a local anesthetic into the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation to the perineum. It is often used during the second stage of labor to provide localized pain relief during the delivery of the baby's head.
Full Explanation
A. Epidural block: Epidural anesthesia is a regional anesthesia that blocks sensations in a specific region of the body. It is commonly used in labor and delivery to provide pain relief by injecting anesthetic medication into the epidural space, numbing the lower half of the body.
B. Saddle block: A saddle block, also known as a subarachnoid block, is a type of spinal anesthesia. It involves injecting anesthetic medication into the subarachnoid space, providing numbness to the lower half of the body, including the perineum.
C. Paracervical block: A paracervical block involves injecting a local anesthetic around the cervix. It is used to provide pain relief during certain medical procedures, such as cervical dilation or biopsy. It does not provide anesthesia to the entire perineum.
D. Pudendal block: A pudendal block involves injecting a local anesthetic into the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation to the perineum. It is often used during the second stage of labor to provide localized pain relief during the delivery of the baby's head.