Maternal-Child Nursing McKinney Ch
15: Prenatal Diagnostic Tests Bank
Questions with Correct Detailed
Answers 2025 Latest Version.
1. A pregnant woman's biophysical profile score is 8. She asks the nurse to explain the results.
The nurse's best response is
a. "The test results are within normal limits."
b. "Immediate delivery by cesarean birth is needed."
c. "Further tests are needed to determine the meaning of this score."
d. "We will inform you of your options within the next week." - Answer ANS: A
The normal biophysical score ranges from 8 to 10 points if the amniotic fluid volume is
adequate. A normal score allows conservative treatment of high-risk patients. Delivery can be
delayed if fetal well-being is indicated. An immediate delivery is not needed. The results of the
biophysical profile are usually available immediately after the procedure is performed.
2. Which analysis of maternal serum may predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus?
a. Multiple-marker screening
b. Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
c. Biophysical profile
d. Type and crossmatch of maternal and fetal serum - Answer ANS: A
Maternal serum can be analyzed for abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic
gonadotropin, and estriol. This multiple-marker screening may predict chromosomal defects in
the fetus. The L/S ratio is used to determine fetal lung maturity. A biophysical profile is used for
evaluating fetal status during the antepartum period. Five variables are used, but none is
concerned with chromosomal problems. The blood type and crossmatch will not predict
chromosomal defects in the fetus.
3. The nurse providing care for the pregnant woman understands that a factor indicating the
need for fetal diagnostic procedures is
a. maternal diabetes.
b. maternal age older than 30 years.
c. previous infant more than 3000 g at birth.
d. weight gain of 25 pounds. - Answer ANS: A
, 4. When is the best time to determine gestational age based on biparietal diameter through
ultrasound?
a. First trimester only
b. Second trimester only
c. Any time
d. Second half of pregnancy - Answer ANS: D
The biparietal diameter is used to determine gestational age during the second half of
pregnancy.
5. The primary reason for evaluating alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in maternal serum is to
determine if the fetus has
a. hemophilia.
b. a neural tube defect.
c. sickle cell anemia.
d. a normal lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio. - Answer ANS: B
An open neural tube allows a high level of AFP to seep into the amniotic fluid and enter the
maternal serum. Hemophilia is a genetic defect and is best detected with chromosomal studies
such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. Sickle cell is a genetic defect and is best
detected with chromosomal studies such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. L/S
ratios are determined with an amniocentesis, which is usually done in the third trimester.
6. While working with the pregnant woman in her first trimester, the nurse is aware that
chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can be performed during pregnancy as early as _____ weeks.
a. 4
b. 8
c. 10
d. 12 - Answer ANS: C
CVS is usually performed between 10 and 13 weeks of gestation to diagnose fetal chromosomal,
metabolic, or DNA abnormalities.
7. The nurse's role in diagnostic testing is to provide
a. advice to the couple.
b. assistance with decision making.
15: Prenatal Diagnostic Tests Bank
Questions with Correct Detailed
Answers 2025 Latest Version.
1. A pregnant woman's biophysical profile score is 8. She asks the nurse to explain the results.
The nurse's best response is
a. "The test results are within normal limits."
b. "Immediate delivery by cesarean birth is needed."
c. "Further tests are needed to determine the meaning of this score."
d. "We will inform you of your options within the next week." - Answer ANS: A
The normal biophysical score ranges from 8 to 10 points if the amniotic fluid volume is
adequate. A normal score allows conservative treatment of high-risk patients. Delivery can be
delayed if fetal well-being is indicated. An immediate delivery is not needed. The results of the
biophysical profile are usually available immediately after the procedure is performed.
2. Which analysis of maternal serum may predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus?
a. Multiple-marker screening
b. Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
c. Biophysical profile
d. Type and crossmatch of maternal and fetal serum - Answer ANS: A
Maternal serum can be analyzed for abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic
gonadotropin, and estriol. This multiple-marker screening may predict chromosomal defects in
the fetus. The L/S ratio is used to determine fetal lung maturity. A biophysical profile is used for
evaluating fetal status during the antepartum period. Five variables are used, but none is
concerned with chromosomal problems. The blood type and crossmatch will not predict
chromosomal defects in the fetus.
3. The nurse providing care for the pregnant woman understands that a factor indicating the
need for fetal diagnostic procedures is
a. maternal diabetes.
b. maternal age older than 30 years.
c. previous infant more than 3000 g at birth.
d. weight gain of 25 pounds. - Answer ANS: A
, 4. When is the best time to determine gestational age based on biparietal diameter through
ultrasound?
a. First trimester only
b. Second trimester only
c. Any time
d. Second half of pregnancy - Answer ANS: D
The biparietal diameter is used to determine gestational age during the second half of
pregnancy.
5. The primary reason for evaluating alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in maternal serum is to
determine if the fetus has
a. hemophilia.
b. a neural tube defect.
c. sickle cell anemia.
d. a normal lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio. - Answer ANS: B
An open neural tube allows a high level of AFP to seep into the amniotic fluid and enter the
maternal serum. Hemophilia is a genetic defect and is best detected with chromosomal studies
such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. Sickle cell is a genetic defect and is best
detected with chromosomal studies such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. L/S
ratios are determined with an amniocentesis, which is usually done in the third trimester.
6. While working with the pregnant woman in her first trimester, the nurse is aware that
chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can be performed during pregnancy as early as _____ weeks.
a. 4
b. 8
c. 10
d. 12 - Answer ANS: C
CVS is usually performed between 10 and 13 weeks of gestation to diagnose fetal chromosomal,
metabolic, or DNA abnormalities.
7. The nurse's role in diagnostic testing is to provide
a. advice to the couple.
b. assistance with decision making.
