Which of the following tests need to be done at each ANC visit?

NHM MP Staff Nurse-2019

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: NHM MP Staff Nurse-2019

Explanation

Haemoglobin (Hb) estimation is performed at each visit to screen for and monitor anaemia, a common condition in pregnancy that can affect both maternal and fetal outcomes.
Urine testing for sugar (glucose) is a routine screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Persistent glycosuria warrants further investigation.
Urine testing for albumin (protein) is crucial for the early detection of pre-eclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Proteinuria is a hallmark sign of this condition.

Option A: This option includes several tests that are typically performed only at the initial booking visit, not at every visit.
Option B: While haemoglobin is checked, a full Red Blood Cell (RBC) count is not a standard test for every single ANC visit. It is part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) which is done at booking and repeated only if indicated.
Option D: Blood grouping is a one-time test performed at the first ANC visit to determine the mother's blood type and Rh factor. It does not need to be repeated.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Routine investigations during Antenatal Care (ANC) visits as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The nurse's role includes accurately performing these dipstick tests, correctly measuring haemoglobin, and meticulously recording the results to track trends over time.
Patient education is vital. The nurse should instruct the mother on how to collect a clean-catch midstream urine sample to ensure test accuracy.
Abnormal findings must be promptly reported. For instance, a urine albumin of 2+ along with elevated blood pressure requires immediate referral to the medical officer for management of pre-eclampsia.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the question is asking for tests done at each ANC visit, implying routine, ongoing monitoring.
Analyze the options to differentiate between one-time screening tests and repetitive monitoring tests.
Recall or deduce that tests for infections (HIV, VDRL, HCV) and blood typing are typically done once at the beginning of pregnancy (booking visit) to establish a baseline.
Identify the tests that monitor for common, developing complications of pregnancy: anaemia (Haemoglobin), gestational diabetes (Urine sugar), and pre-eclampsia (Urine albumin).
Eliminate options that include one-time tests like blood group, VDRL, and HIV.
Select the option that contains only the tests performed for routine, continuous monitoring throughout the pregnancy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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