What tests does the nurse perform during ANC?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

This option includes the most comprehensive set of routine screening tests recommended during antenatal care.
Hemoglobin (Hb) estimation is vital for detecting anemia, a common issue in pregnancy.
Urine analysis for sugar and protein helps screen for gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, respectively.
Screening for infectious diseases like HIV, Syphilis (VDRL), and Hepatitis (HCV/HBsAg) is critical to prevent mother-to-child transmission and manage maternal health.

Option A: This option includes Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which is a hormone test used to confirm pregnancy, not for routine monitoring throughout the antenatal period.
Option B: This list is incomplete. It crucially omits screening for proteinuria (a key indicator of pre-eclampsia) and screening for major transmissible infections like HIV and syphilis.
Option D: This option includes Human Placental Lactogen (hPL). Testing for hPL is not a standard or routine part of the antenatal screening profile.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Routine Laboratory Investigations in Antenatal Care (ANC) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A nurse's primary role during ANC is to ensure all recommended screenings are performed, results are documented, and the woman is educated about their significance.
Nurses must obtain informed consent before testing for HIV, ensuring confidentiality and providing pre-test and post-test counseling.
Abnormal results require prompt action, including referral to a specialist, initiating treatment (e.g., iron for anemia, ART for HIV), and increased monitoring.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core purpose of the question: to identify the standard set of tests for antenatal care (ANC).
Evaluate each option based on established ANC guidelines.
Look for the option that is the most comprehensive, covering screening for anemia, pregnancy-related conditions (like GDM and pre-eclampsia), and key infectious diseases.
Eliminate options that include non-routine tests (like hCG for monitoring or hPL) or are incomplete (missing tests for protein or infections).
Select the option that best represents the complete, standard panel of initial ANC investigations.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 18-26

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 20-22

Practise the full MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.