Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP)
Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is discussing the limitations of the Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) with a pregnant client.
What should the nurse include as a limitation of this test?
The AFP test can detect neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
The AFP test does not pose any risk of preterm labor. It is a simple blood test that does not affect the pregnancy.
An AFP test is a blood test that measures the amount of AFP present in blood. It’s usually part of a screening test for genetic problems and birth defects in the second trimester of pregnancy.
The AFP test is not very expensive and is usually covered by insurance.
An AFP test is a blood test that measures the amount of AFP present in blood. It’s usually part of a screening test for genetic problems and birth defects in the second trimester of pregnancy.
However, it has some limitations, such as:
• Choice A is wrong because the AFP test can detect neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
• Choice B is wrong because the AFP test does not pose any risk of preterm labor. It is a simple blood test that does not affect the pregnancy.
• Choice D is wrong because the AFP test is not very expensive and is usually covered by insurance.
The main limitation of the AFP test is that it is not very accurate and can have false-positive or false-negative results.
A false-positive result means that the test suggests a problem when there is none.
A false-negative result means that the test misses a problem that exists. Therefore, if the AFP test shows an abnormal result, it needs to be confirmed by more invasive procedures, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These procedures involve taking samples of fluid or tissue from the womb and can have some risks, such as infection, bleeding, or miscarriage.