More questions
More questions ( 14 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an amniocentesis at 35 weeks of gestation to assess fetal lung maturity.
Which of the following laboratory tests will provide this information?
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the fetus that can be measured in the amniotic fluid or maternal blood. It is used to screen for neural tube defects and other abnormalities, not for fetal lung maturity.
This is a test that measures the amount of two phospholipids in the amniotic fluid that are important for the production of surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs expand and prevents them from collapsing. A higher L/S ratio indicates more surfactant and greater fetal lung maturity. The normal range for L/S ratio is 2:1 or higher at term
Kleihauer-Betke test is a blood test that detects fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation. It is used to diagnose fetomaternal hemorrhage, a condition where fetal blood leaks into the mother’s blood, not for fetal lung maturity.
Indirect Coombs’ test is a blood test that detects antibodies in the mother’s blood that may attack the fetal red blood cells. It is used to screen for Rh incompatibility or other blood group sensitization, not for fetal lung maturity.
Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio.
This is a test that measures the amount of two phospholipids in the amniotic fluid that are important for the production of surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs expand and prevents them from collapsing. A higher L/S ratio indicates more surfactant and greater fetal lung maturity. The normal range for L/S ratio is 2:1 or higher at term.
Choice A is wrong because alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the fetus that can be measured in the amniotic fluid or maternal blood. It is used to screen for neural tube defects and other abnormalities, not for fetal lung maturity.
Choice C is wrong because Kleihauer-Betke test is a blood test that detects fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation. It is used to diagnose fetomaternal hemorrhage, a condition where fetal blood leaks into the mother’s blood, not for fetal lung maturity.
Choice D is wrong because indirect Coombs’ test is a blood test that detects antibodies in the mother’s blood that may attack the fetal red blood cells. It is used to screen for Rh incompatibility or other blood group sensitization, not for fetal lung maturity.