Ati Lpn maternal exam 1
Ati Lpn maternal exam 1 ( 49 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has consented to an amniocentesis for genetic cell analysis. The client asks why she can’t have the test before 14 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
While fetal maturity is a factor in the timing of amniocentesis, it's not the primary reason for waiting until 14 weeks.
Earlier in pregnancy, fetal cells are less abundant in the amniotic fluid, making it more challenging to obtain a sufficient sample for accurate testing.
Additionally, the procedure carries a slightly higher risk of miscarriage before 14 weeks.
The audibility of the fetal heartbeat is not directly related to the timing of amniocentesis.
It's typically possible to hear the heartbeat by Doppler ultrasound around 10-12 weeks, but this doesn't mean there's enough amniotic fluid for amniocentesis.
The most accurate explanation for why amniocentesis is not performed before 14 weeks is the amount of amniotic fluid. Before 14 weeks, there's typically not enough amniotic fluid to safely extract a sample without potentially harming the fetus or the placenta.
By 14 weeks, there's usually enough fluid to adequately cushion the fetus and the needle during the procedure, reducing the risks involved.
The accuracy of genetic results is not dependent on the timing of amniocentesis after 14 weeks.
As long as a sufficient sample of amniotic fluid is obtained, the accuracy of the results is not affected by gestational age.
No explanation
Choice A:
While fetal maturity is a factor in the timing of amniocentesis, it's not the primary reason for waiting until 14 weeks.
Earlier in pregnancy, fetal cells are less abundant in the amniotic fluid, making it more challenging to obtain a sufficient sample for accurate testing.
Additionally, the procedure carries a slightly higher risk of miscarriage before 14 weeks.
Choice B:
The audibility of the fetal heartbeat is not directly related to the timing of amniocentesis.
It's typically possible to hear the heartbeat by Doppler ultrasound around 10-12 weeks, but this doesn't mean there's enough amniotic fluid for amniocentesis.
Choice D:
The accuracy of genetic results is not dependent on the timing of amniocentesis after 14 weeks.
As long as a sufficient sample of amniotic fluid is obtained, the accuracy of the results is not affected by gestational age.
Choice C:
The most accurate explanation for why amniocentesis is not performed before 14 weeks is the amount of amniotic fluid. Before 14 weeks, there's typically not enough amniotic fluid to safely extract a sample without potentially harming the fetus or the placenta.
By 14 weeks, there's usually enough fluid to adequately cushion the fetus and the needle during the procedure, reducing the risks involved.