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 the fetal age of viability. Viability refers to the point in pregnancy at which a fetus is considered capable of surviving outside the womb with medical support. At around 20 weeks gestation, the fetus has reached a stage where it may have a chance of survival if born prematurely. This milestone is significant in obstetrics and neonatology as it marks a critical point in the continuum of fetal development. Option A) 14 weeks is too early for fetal viability as at this stage, the fetus is still in the first trimester and not yet developed enough to survive outside the womb. Option C) 25 weeks and Option D) 30 weeks are both beyond the generally accepted age of viability (around 24 weeks) but they are not the standard point at which viability is typically considered. Educationally, understanding fetal viability is crucial for expectant parents as it highlights the importance of prenatal care, monitoring, and the potential outcomes in case of premature birth. This knowledge empowers parents to make informed decisions and be prepared for any possible scenarios during pregnancy and childbirth.

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 maternal fetal monitoring, it is crucial for nurses to understand their role in diagnostic testing. The correct answer is B) Information about the tests. Nurses play a pivotal role in providing accurate and comprehensive information to the expectant couple regarding the diagnostic tests being conducted. Providing advice to the couple (Option A) may not be within the nurse's scope of practice, as nurses typically focus on providing evidence-based information rather than personal opinions. Reassuring about fetal safety (Option C) is important, but the primary role of the nurse in diagnostic testing is to provide factual information to help the couple make informed decisions. Assistance with decision-making (Option D) is also important, but this typically follows after the nurse has provided the necessary information about the tests. By choosing option B, the nurse empowers the couple to understand the purpose, procedure, and potential outcomes of the diagnostic tests, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their care and the well-being of their unborn child. In an educational context, understanding the nurse's role in diagnostic testing not only ensures safe and effective care for the mother and baby but also emphasizes the importance of patient education and autonomy in the decision-making process during pregnancy. Nurses serve as advocates for their patients by providing accurate information, promoting shared decision-making, and supporting expectant parents through the various stages of maternal fetal monitoring.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention based on a positive contraction stress test (CST) result is to contact the healthcare provider to discuss birth options for the patient (Option B). This is the appropriate action because a positive CST indicates that the fetus may be at risk for hypoxia during labor, and immediate communication with the healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best course of action for the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Option A is incorrect because waiting for a week to repeat the test could delay necessary interventions if the fetus is indeed experiencing distress. Option C is incorrect as sending the patient out for a meal and repeating the test is not a standard practice and could potentially endanger the fetus if distress is present. Option D is also incorrect as fetal kick counts are not a suitable assessment for addressing the concerns raised by a positive CST result. Educationally, understanding the significance of a positive CST result and the appropriate actions to take is vital for healthcare professionals working in maternal-fetal care. This knowledge ensures timely and effective interventions to safeguard the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby during labor and delivery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of maternal fetal monitoring, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels can provide valuable information about the health of the fetus. In this question, the correct answer is C) Twin gestation. Twin gestation is associated with increased levels of AFP due to the presence of more than one fetus. Each fetus produces AFP, leading to elevated levels in the maternal bloodstream. This is a clinically relevant point to consider during maternal fetal monitoring as it can impact the interpretation of AFP levels and subsequent management decisions. Regarding the incorrect options: A) Down syndrome: Down syndrome is not directly associated with increased AFP levels. Instead, it is commonly associated with abnormal levels of other markers such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). B) Molar pregnancy: Molar pregnancy is characterized by abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue and is associated with extremely high levels of hCG, not AFP. D) Incorrect gestational age assessment of a normal fetus: While gestational age can influence AFP levels, an incorrect assessment would not lead to elevated AFP levels. It is the presence of multiple fetuses, as in twin gestation, that is directly related to increased AFP levels. Understanding the factors influencing AFP levels in maternal serum is crucial for healthcare providers involved in maternal fetal monitoring. This knowledge informs proper interpretation of test results, leading to accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of pregnancy-related conditions.