The nurse is providing education to a patient at 16 weeks' gestation who is undecided about consenting to the quad screen. How can the nurse explain the purpose of the quad screen to the patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the quad screen is a prenatal screening test that assesses the risk of the fetus for neural tube defects and chromosome abnormalities. At 16 weeks' gestation, this test helps identify potential issues early on, allowing for further diagnostic testing and appropriate interventions if needed. Choice A is incorrect because the quad screen does not specifically target heart defects. Choice B is incorrect as the quad screen does not solely focus on neural tube defects. Choice D is incorrect because the quad screen assesses both neural tube defects and chromosome abnormalities, not just chromosome abnormalities alone. Therefore, choice C is the most comprehensive and accurate explanation of the purpose of the quad screen for the patient at 16 weeks' gestation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: decreased fetal movement. This warning sign is crucial in the third trimester as it could indicate fetal distress or other complications requiring prompt medical attention. Decreased fetal movement can be a sign of potential problems with the baby's health and should not be ignored. Chronic constipation (A), early evening fatigue (C), and loss of appetite (D) are common pregnancy symptoms but are not typically considered urgent warning signs that require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider. It is important for the nurse to emphasize the significance of monitoring fetal movements and seeking medical advice promptly if there is a noticeable decrease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: annual income. This data is crucial for assessing the family's financial resources and potential impact on the patient's health and well-being during pregnancy. Annual income can help identify possible financial stressors that may affect access to healthcare, nutrition, and overall prenatal care. B: Total number of cousins is not typically part of a family assessment during pregnancy and does not directly impact the patient's prenatal care. C: Number of people living in the household is important for understanding the household dynamics, but it may not be directly related to the patient's prenatal care needs. D: Identifying the person in the household who makes major decisions is important for understanding family dynamics, but it may not directly impact the patient's prenatal care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Multiple-marker screening. This analysis measures levels of certain proteins and hormones in maternal serum to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. It is considered the best predictor because abnormal levels of these markers can indicate conditions like Down syndrome. Biophysical profile (A) assesses fetal well-being but does not directly predict chromosomal abnormalities. Lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratio (C) is used to assess fetal lung maturity, not chromosomal abnormalities. Blood type and crossmatch (D) are important for identifying Rh incompatibility but do not predict chromosomal abnormalities.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: First trimester. During the first trimester, gestational age can be accurately determined through ultrasound by measuring the crown-rump length of the fetus. This measurement is most accurate during this time as the fetus is small and growth is consistent. In the second and third trimesters, other factors such as fetal growth variations and positioning can affect the accuracy of gestational age determination. Therefore, the first trimester is the most accurate time for determining gestational age through ultrasound. Other choices are incorrect because the precision of ultrasound measurements decreases as pregnancy progresses, making the first trimester the optimal window for accurate gestational age assessment.