What is the purpose of maternal assays and multiple marker screenings performed in the first trimester of pregnancy?

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Conception and Fetal Development NCLEX Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

What is the purpose of maternal assays and multiple marker screenings performed in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Maternal assays and multiple marker screenings in the first trimester are used to evaluate the risk of conditions like Down syndrome. These tests measure levels of certain proteins and hormones in the mother's blood to assess the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because determining the gender of the fetus, monitoring placental growth, and detecting maternal infections are not the primary purposes of these screenings in the first trimester.

Question 2 of 5

Why might a provider recommend percutaneous umbilical blood sampling? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling is recommended to detect Down syndrome accurately by analyzing fetal blood. This is because it directly tests the fetal blood for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, providing a definitive diagnosis. Other choices are incorrect because A does not specify the need for a direct blood test, C is too general, and D can be determined using other non-invasive methods like amniocentesis.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is educating the pregnant person on the effects of the placenta hormones. What information does the nurse include in the teaching about relaxin? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because relaxin plays a role in the appearance of the linea nigra during pregnancy. Linea nigra is a dark line that runs from the belly button to the pubic bone caused by hormonal changes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Relaxin primarily affects the cervix and pelvic ligaments, making them softer and more flexible to prepare for childbirth, but it does not help decrease peripheral vascular resistance or directly aid in skin stretching.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse receives a phone call from a pregnant person at 36 weeks’ gestation stating they have noticed some thin pink lines on the lower abdomen and wants to know if this is normal. The nurse recognizes the pregnant person is asking about what skin condition?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: striae gravidarum. This skin condition consists of thin pink lines on the lower abdomen, commonly known as stretch marks, and is common during pregnancy due to rapid stretching of the skin. Linea nigra (A) is a dark line that appears vertically on the abdomen, palmar erythema (C) is redness on the palms, and pruritis (D) is itching which are not relevant to the description given.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is providing education to a pregnant person at 10 weeks’ gestation who is experiencing nausea and vomiting. The nurse is aware the nausea and vomiting are due to which hormone produced by the placenta?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). At 10 weeks' gestation, hCG is the hormone produced by the placenta responsible for nausea and vomiting, known as morning sickness. hCG levels peak around this time, coinciding with the onset of these symptoms. Relaxin (A), human placental lactogen (C), and luteinizing hormone (D) are not directly associated with causing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

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