A patient has preeclampsia. She is 36 weeks pregnant, and comes ...

[wrbasek0]

A patient has preeclampsia. She is 36 weeks pregnant, and comes to the high-risk screening center for a contraction stress test. The nurse should explain to the patient that the contraction stress test is being done to determine:
 
  1. What effect her hypertension has had on the fetus.
  2. Whether the fetus will be able to tolerate labor.
  3. Whether fetal movement increases with contractions.
  4. What effect contractions will have on her blood pressure.

Question 2

A 27-year-old married woman is 16 weeks pregnant and has an abnormally low maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test. Which statement indicates that the couple understands the implications of this test result?
 
  1. We have decided to have an abortion if this baby has Down syndrome.
  2. If we hadn't had this test, we wouldn't have to worry about this baby.
  3. I'll eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables until I have the ultrasound.
  4. The ultrasound should be normal because I'm under the age of 35.

[voltaire123]

Answer to Question 1

2
Rationale 1: The fetal heart rate response to movement is assessed in a non-stress test.
Rationale 2: Contraction stress tests are performed to assess the ability of the fetus to tolerate labor.
Rationale 3: With contractions, the nurse is assessing for a heart rate response, not for movement.
Rationale 4: The effect of contractions on blood pressure would be noted, but this is not the purpose.

Answer to Question 2

1
Explanation: 1. A low maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test can indicate trisomy 18 or trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Many couples abort a fetus that has a genetic abnormality that significantly affects quality of life or has multiple medical problems. Down syndrome is more likely to occur in the fetuses of women over the age of 35 at delivery, but is not limited to this age group.