A patient's laboratory test results following amniotic fluid analysis indicate elevated bilirubin levels.Which of the following diagnoses should the nurse most suspect given these findings?
A)Respiratory distress syndrome
B)Fetal hemolytic disease
C)Neural tube defect
D)Fetal immaturity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elevated bilirubin levels following amniotic fluid analysis indicate fetal hemolytic disease, which is caused by Rh incompatibility between the mother and the fetus. Bilirubin is a waste product created when red blood cells are broken down, and if the fetus is producing more red blood cells than usual (as in fetal hemolytic disease), then there will be more bilirubin in the amniotic fluid. Respiratory distress syndrome and fetal immaturity are not related to bilirubin levels, while neural tube defects are typically diagnosed by ultrasound rather than amniotic fluid analysis.

A Patient's Laboratory Test Results Following Amniotic Fluid Analysis Indicate