The nurse is educating a class of expectant parents about fetal development. What is considered fetal age of viability?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of fetal development, the correct answer is B) 20 weeks for fetal age of viability. Viability refers to the ability of a fetus to survive outside the womb. Around 20 weeks gestation, a fetus has reached a stage where it may have a chance of survival with intensive medical care, although outcomes can vary. Option A) 14 weeks is too early for fetal viability as vital organ systems are not fully developed at this stage to support life outside the womb. Option C) 25 weeks and option D) 30 weeks are closer to the actual fetal viability period, but they are not as widely accepted as the 20-week mark in medical practice. Educationally, it is crucial for expectant parents to understand fetal development milestones like viability to make informed decisions and prepare for the potential outcomes of their pregnancy. This knowledge empowers parents to engage in discussions with healthcare providers and be proactive in their prenatal care to promote the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Primitive spinal cord and brain appear at 3 weeks. Neural tube closes at 4 weeks. Skull and jaw ossify at 6 weeks. Spleen stops forming blood cells and bone marrow takes over at 29 weeks. Subcutaneous fat is present at 36 weeks. This sequence reflects the chronological progression of key developmental milestones.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and maternal fetal monitoring, the nurse plays a crucial role in providing information about diagnostic testing to the couple. Option B, "Information about the tests," is the correct answer because it aligns with the nurse's responsibility to educate patients on the purpose, procedure, risks, and benefits of diagnostic tests. Option A, "Advice to the couple," is incorrect because the nurse should not provide personal advice but rather evidence-based information to support the couple in making informed decisions. Option C, "Reassurance about fetal safety," while important, is not the primary role of the nurse in diagnostic testing. The nurse should provide information to empower the couple to make decisions based on knowledge. Option D, "Assistance with decision making," is partially correct but not as comprehensive as providing detailed information about the tests. Educationally, it is essential for nurses to understand their role in patient education and decision-making processes. By providing accurate and clear information, nurses can help patients make informed choices regarding their healthcare. This enhances patient autonomy, promotes shared decision-making, and ultimately improves patient outcomes. Nurses must be knowledgeable about diagnostic tests to effectively communicate with patients and support them in navigating the complexities of healthcare decisions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Contact the health care provider to discuss birth options for the patient. Rationale: A positive result on a contraction stress test (CST) indicates that the fetus is not tolerating the stress of contractions and may be at risk for intrauterine asphyxia. In this scenario, immediate communication with the healthcare provider is crucial to discuss the need for potential delivery options such as induction or cesarean section to prevent fetal distress. Option A is incorrect because waiting a week to repeat the test could delay necessary interventions for the well-being of the fetus. Option C is incorrect as sending the patient out for a meal and repeating the test is not a standard practice and may not provide accurate or timely information. Option D is incorrect as a fetal kick count assessment is not the appropriate action to take in response to a positive CST result indicating fetal distress. Educational Context: Understanding the significance of a positive CST result is vital in maternal-fetal monitoring. Healthcare providers need to act promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the fetus. This knowledge is crucial for healthcare professionals working in obstetric settings to make timely and appropriate decisions to optimize outcomes for both patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Twin gestation. Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are associated with twin gestations due to the presence of multiple fetuses producing the protein. AFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver and yolk sac, and its levels can be elevated in the maternal serum and amniotic fluid in conditions like twin gestation. A) Down syndrome is not associated with increased levels of AFP. In fact, in Down syndrome, AFP levels are usually decreased. B) Molar pregnancy is also not directly associated with increased AFP levels. In molar pregnancies, abnormal trophoblastic tissue develops, but this condition does not lead to elevated AFP levels. D) Incorrect gestational age assessment of a normal fetus resulting in an earlier estimation is not a condition that directly leads to increased AFP levels. Gestational age errors may impact various pregnancy assessments but do not influence AFP levels. Educationally, understanding the factors influencing AFP levels is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in maternal-fetal care. This knowledge helps in interpreting screening tests accurately and in providing appropriate counseling and care to pregnant individuals. Understanding the specific conditions associated with elevated AFP levels can aid in the differential diagnosis of maternal-fetal conditions and guide further diagnostic and management decisions.