Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
1. A 38-year-old client, who is gravida 4, para 2 with gestational diabetes, is scheduled for an amniocentesis at 33 weeks' gestation because of unstable blood sugar. The results of the amniocentesis reveal the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio (L/S) is 1:1, and the phosphatidylglycerol (PG) is negative. How should a nurse best interpret this data?
. The infant is at low risk for congenital anomalies.
. The infant is at high risk for intrauterine growth retardation.
. The infant is at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome.
. The infant is at high risk for birth trauma.
Test-Taking Tip
Consider the client's condition; an amniocentesis at 33 weeks' gestation is used to establish lung maturity in an unborn fetus. Eliminate the answers that do not deal directly with this client's condition.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Evaluation; Cognitive Level: Application;
Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Diagnostic Tests
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the amniocentesis in this case is not used to determine congenital anomalies. Answer 2 is incorrect because the amniocentesis does not establish intrauterine growth retardation. Answer 3 is correct because the test is performed to determine fetal lung maturity. The L/S ratio should be 2:1 with + PG for the infant who would be at low risk for respiratory distress syndrome. Answer 4 is incorrect because the amniocentesis is not used to test for birth trauma.