JIPMER Pondicherry NO - 2022
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Easy
Alpha-fetoprotein test is done in pregnancy to detect?
Appeared in: JIPMER Pondicherry NO - 2022
Explanation
- The Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a maternal blood screening test used to identify pregnancies at higher risk for specific birth defects.
- Low levels of maternal serum AFP (MSAFP) are associated with an increased risk for certain genetic disorders, most notably Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18).
- High levels of MSAFP are linked to an increased risk of open neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
- Because it screens for conditions like Trisomy 21, it is considered a tool for detecting the risk of genetic disorders.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: AFP levels do not provide information about the nutritional status of the mother or the fetus.
- Option C: The term 'fetal well-being' usually refers to tests assessing the fetus's immediate health, such as heart rate patterns (Non-Stress Test) or movement and breathing (Biophysical Profile). AFP is a screening test for congenital risks, not acute well-being.
- Option D: The Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD) is calculated based on the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) or, more accurately, by first-trimester ultrasound measurements of the fetus.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Purpose of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening in pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- A key nursing responsibility is to educate patients that the AFP test is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. An abnormal result means more testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
- Nurses must provide emotional support and clear information to patients with abnormal results, as this can cause significant anxiety. Counseling should include the possibility of false-positive results.
- Accurate gestational dating is critical for interpreting AFP results. An incorrect date is a common cause of an abnormal reading.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the core of the question: What is the primary purpose of the Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test during pregnancy?
- This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about common prenatal screening tests.
- Recall that AFP is part of the 'triple screen' or 'quad screen' offered in the second trimester.
- Evaluate each option. Is AFP used for nutrition? No. Is it for dating the pregnancy (EDD)? No, that's ultrasound. Is it for 'fetal well-being'? This is too general; other tests like the NST are more specific for immediate well-being.
- Remember that low AFP is linked to Down syndrome (a genetic disorder) and high AFP is linked to neural tube defects. Therefore, 'Genetic disorders' is the most fitting category among the choices.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Purpose of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening in pregnancy
- Stem keywords: Alpha-fetoprotein test, pregnancy, detect
- Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Question ID
QKpjtk-t2159upq5UHeQaB
Reference Book
E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics p. 537-539
E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 473-475
E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 29-48
Practise the full JIPMER Pondicherry NO - 2022
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
More Prenatal Genetic Counseling, Screening and Diagnosis Questions
- All of the following can be used to determine a chromosome analysis of the fetus, except?
- MSAFP raised in which condition?
- Increased nuchal translucency observed in the 13th week of fetal ultrasound is characteristic of?
- Which of the following is not an indication for genetic counseling in a pregnant woman?
- Triple test performed at 15-18 weeks of pregnancy. What positive test result indicates that the body is having Down syndrome?
- Which one of the following diagnostic test is used to detect Neural tube defects?
- Alpha-fetoprotein test is done in pregnancy to detect?
- In which condition maternal serum alpha feto protein (MSAFP) level increased?
- Which reproductive option allows for genetic testing of embryos before implantation?
- Which reproductive option should be informed the parents in pediatric genetic counseling session, for helping future decision making?
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