Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) Test
Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) Test ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the MSAFP test results with a client.
A high level of MSAFP (>2.5 MoM) may indicate which of the following conditions?
Chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome are associated with low levels of MSAFP, not high levels. Chromosomal abnormalities involve an extra or missing chromosome that affects the fetus’s development.
Fetal demise or death is not related to MSAFP levels. Fetal demise can be caused by various factors such as infections, placental problems, or umbilical cord accidents.
A high level of MSAFP (>2.5 MoM) may indicate that the fetus has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida, which results from incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord. A neural tube defect causes an opening in the head, spine, or stomach wall that allows high levels of AFP to enter the mother’s blood.
Multiple gestation or having more than one fetus can also cause low levels of MSAFP, not high levels. Multiple gestation increases the risk of complications such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction.
A high level of MSAFP (>2.5 MoM) may indicate that the fetus has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida, which results from incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord. A neural tube defect causes an opening in the head, spine, or stomach wall that allows high levels of AFP to enter the mother’s blood.
Choice A is wrong because chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome are associated with low levels of MSAFP, not high levels. Chromosomal abnormalities involve an extra or missing chromosome that affects the fetus’s development.
Choice B is wrong because fetal demise or death is not related to MSAFP levels.
Fetal demise can be caused by various factors such as infections, placental problems, or umbilical cord accidents.
Choice D is wrong because multiple gestation or having more than one fetus can also cause low levels of MSAFP, not high levels.
Multiple gestation increases the risk of complications such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction.
Normal ranges for MSAFP vary depending on the gestational age of the fetus and the laboratory methods used. Generally, the normal range for MSAFP at 15 to 21 weeks’ gestation is 10 to 150 ng/mL.