A pregnant patient asks why an beta-fetoprotein serum level has ...

[meagbuch]

A pregnant patient asks why an beta-fetoprotein serum level has been ordered. What should the nurse explain to the patient about this test?
 
  A) It screens for placenta function.
  B) It measures the fetal liver function.
  C) It may reveal chromosomal abnormalities.
  D) It tests the ability of the patient's heart to accommodate the pregnancy.

Question 2

After teaching a group of students about fetal development, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following as providing the barrier to other sperm after fertilization?
 
  A) Zona pellucida
  B) Zygote
  C) Cleavage
  D) Morula

[firehawk60]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
beta-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a substance produced by the fetal liver that can be found in both amniotic fluid and maternal serum. The level is abnormally high if the fetus has an open spinal or abdominal wall defect because the open defect allows more AFP to enter the mother's circulation. Although the reason is unclear, the level is low if the fetus has a chromosomal defect such as Down syndrome. Between 85 and 90 of neural tube anomalies, and 80 of Down syndrome babies can be detected by this method. The beta-fetoprotein level is not used to screen for placenta functioning, measure fetal liver function, or test the ability of the patient's heart to accommodate the pregnancy.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
The zona pellucida is the clear protein layer that acts as a barrier to other sperm once one sperm enters the ovum for fertilization. The zygote refers to the union of the nuclei of the ovum and sperm resulting in the diploid number of chromosomes. Cleavage is another term for mitosis. The morula is the result of four cleavages leading to 16 cells that appear as a solid ball of cells. The morula reaches the uterine cavity about 72 hours after fertilization.

[meagbuch]

Gracias!

[JaynaD87]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it