A 39-year-old primigravida thinks that she is about 8 weeks pregnant,although she has had irregular menstrual periods all her life.She has a history of smoking approximately one pack of cigarettes a day,but she tells you that she is trying to cut down.Her laboratory data are within normal limits.What diagnostic technique could be used with this pregnant woman at this time?
A)Ultrasound examination
B)Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)screening
C)Amniocentesis
D)Nonstress test (NST)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An ultrasound examination could be done to confirm the pregnancy and determine the gestational age of the fetus.It is too early in the pregnancy to perform an MSAFP screening;it is performed at 16 to 18 weeks of gestation.An amniocentesis is performed if the MSAFP levels are abnormal or if fetal/maternal anomalies are detected.This procedure is not performed until 16 to 18 weeks of gestation.An NST is performed to assess fetal well-being in the third trimester.

A 39-Year-Old Primigravida Thinks That She Is About 8 Weeks