a client at 26 weeks gestation was informed this morning that she has an elevated alpha fetoprotein afp level after the healthcare provider leaves the

HESI LPN

Maternity HESI Test Bank

1. A client at 26 weeks gestation was informed this morning that she has an elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. After the healthcare provider leaves the room, the client asks what she should do next. What information should the nurse provide?

A. Reassure the client that the AFP results are likely to be a false reading.
B. Explain that a sonogram should be scheduled for definitive results.
C. Inform her that a repeat alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test should be evaluated.
D. Discuss options for intrauterine surgical correction of congenital defects.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An elevated AFP level during pregnancy can indicate potential fetal anomalies. Further evaluation is necessary to confirm the findings and assess the need for additional interventions. Scheduling a sonogram is the appropriate next step as it can provide more definitive results and help identify any underlying issues. Choice A is incorrect because dismissing the elevated AFP level as a false reading without further investigation can lead to missing important information about the baby's health. Choice C is not the best immediate action, as scheduling a sonogram would provide more detailed information than just repeating the AFP test. Choice D is incorrect as discussing intrauterine surgical correction is premature at this stage and not typically indicated based solely on an elevated AFP level.

2. Which of the following statements is true of a sperm cell?

A. A sperm cell is significantly larger than an egg cell.
B. A sperm cell contains two Y chromosomes.
C. A sperm cell travels randomly inside a woman’s reproductive tract.
D. A sperm cell is one of the smallest types of cells in the body.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A sperm cell is indeed one of the smallest cells in the human body, much smaller than an egg cell. Choice A is incorrect as sperm cells are much smaller than egg cells. Choice B is incorrect because a sperm cell carries either an X or a Y chromosome, not two Y chromosomes. Choice C is incorrect since sperm cells move in a purposeful manner guided by various factors within a woman's reproductive tract, not randomly.

3. Which of the following statements is true about Tay-Sachs disease?

A. It is most commonly found among children in Jewish families of Eastern European background.
B. Children who have this disease suffer from excessive production of mucus in the lungs and pancreas.
C. It is most commonly found among children in Asian American families.
D. Children who have this disease suffer from muscular dystrophy characterized by a weakening of the muscles.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Tay-Sachs disease is most commonly found among Jewish families of Eastern European descent. It is a fatal genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. Choice B is incorrect because Tay-Sachs disease does not involve excessive mucus production in the lungs and pancreas. Choice C is incorrect as it states that Tay-Sachs disease is most commonly found among Asian American families, which is inaccurate. Choice D is also incorrect because Tay-Sachs disease does not cause muscular dystrophy characterized by weakening of the muscles.

4. Which drug was marketed in the 1960s to pregnant women and caused birth defects such as missing or stunted limbs in infants?

A. Progestin
B. Estrogen
C. Thalidomide
D. Oxytocin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thalidomide is the correct answer. Thalidomide was a drug marketed in the 1960s to pregnant women as a sedative and anti-nausea medication but tragically led to severe birth defects, including limb deformities, when taken during pregnancy. Progestin (Choice A) and Estrogen (Choice B) are hormones that are not associated with causing birth defects like Thalidomide. Oxytocin (Choice D) is a hormone that plays a role in labor and breastfeeding and is not known to cause birth defects like Thalidomide.

5. What is the primary role of meiosis in the production of sperm and ova?

A. To reduce the chromosome number by half
B. To increase the chromosome number
C. To create identical copies of chromosomes
D. To repair damaged chromosomes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the formation of sperm and ova. Choice B is incorrect because meiosis does not increase the chromosome number. Choice C is incorrect because meiosis creates genetically diverse gametes, not identical copies of chromosomes. Choice D is incorrect because meiosis does not primarily function to repair damaged chromosomes.