50. A 34-year-old client, who is gravida 1, para 0, comes in for a routine prenatal visit. A physician orders a routine prenatal blood panel. The client asks a nurse why her physician has recommended a multiple marker screen. The nurse should explain that the physician has recommended the test:
. To screen for spinal cord defects.
. To screen for cardiovascular defects.
. To comply with state law.
. To screen for age-related conditions.
Test-Taking Tip
It's important to understand the difference between a screening test and a diagnostic test. Screening tests are offered to all pregnant women to help evaluate their risk for certain birth defects, but they cannot diagnose a birth defect. The multiple marker screen is a screening test, not a diagnostic test.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Diagnostic Tests
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Answer 1 is correct because the multiple marker screen can screen for certain spinal column defects. Answer 2 is incorrect because the multiple marker screen is not primarily a screen for cardiovascular defects; it can screen for Down syndrome, which can have associated cardiac defects. Answer 3 is incorrect because it is a state law to offer the screening, not a state law to mandate that the test be performed. Answer 4 is incorrect because the screen is offered to all women who are pregnant regardless of age.