A client at 9 weeks' gestation asks the nurse in the prenatal clinic if she can have her chorionic villi sampling (CVS) done at this visit. At what week gestation should the nurse respond is the best time for this test?

1. A

   8 weeks and less than 10 weeks

2. B

   10 weeks and less than 12 weeks

3. C

   12 weeks and less than 14 weeks

4. D

   14 weeks and less than 16 weeks

Appeared in: PGIMER Nursing Officer - 2025

Explanation

• CVS is optimally performed between 10 and less than 12 weeks gestation.
• Earlier procedures (before 10 weeks) increase risk of limb reduction defects.
• This window allows for early diagnosis while minimizing fetal risk.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: CVS before 10 weeks increases risk of limb reduction defects and oromandibular limb hypogenesis.
• Option C: 12 to less than 14 weeks is later than the optimal window for CVS. By this time, amniocentesis becomes a more common choice for genetic testing.
• Option D: 14 to less than 16 weeks is too late for CVS and is the typical window for amniocentesis.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Best gestational age window for chorionic villus sampling (CVS) to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
• Nurses must educate clients about the safest timing for CVS to minimize fetal risks.
• Early CVS (before 10 weeks) can cause serious fetal complications, so scheduling is crucial.
• What if? If a client requests CVS at 9 weeks, the nurse should advise waiting until at least 10 weeks to reduce risk of limb defects.

How to Approach the Question

• Identify the procedure (CVS) and its purpose (early genetic diagnosis).
• Recall the recommended gestational age window for CVS from guidelines.
• Eliminate options that are too early (higher risk) or too late (not standard for CVS).
• Choose the option that matches the safest and most effective timing for the procedure.
• For similar questions, always check for procedure-specific timing and associated risks.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Best gestational age window for chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
• Stem keywords: 9 weeks gestation, chorionic villi sampling, prenatal clinic, best time
• Lead-in keywords: best time, should the nurse respond
• Clinical cues: Client is at 9 weeks gestation and requests CVS

Question ID

QXIv7njRb_I1md8pfEbuRL

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 37-56