The prenatal clinic nurse meets with a 30-year-old woman who is experiencing her first pregnancy.The patient's quadruple-marker screen result is positive at 17 weeks of gestation.Which action by the nurse is most important?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A positive quadruple-marker screen result indicates an increased risk for fetal abnormalities, including neural tube defects and Down syndrome. Therefore, the most important action for the nurse is to facilitate a referral to a genetics counselor. The counselor can provide the woman with more information about the results, possible causes, and further testing options. The social worker may also be involved in the care of a patient with abnormal results, but it is not the most important action at this time. Documenting the findings in the woman's chart is essential but does not require immediate attention. Preparing the woman for an intrauterine death is not appropriate as a response to a positive quadruple-marker screen result.

The Prenatal Clinic Nurse Meets with a 30-Year-Old Woman Who