Which procedure is used to take Amniotic Fluid for testing?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure where a needle is inserted through the abdomen into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small sample of amniotic fluid.
This fluid contains fetal cells and biochemical substances that can be tested for chromosomal abnormalities (like Down syndrome), neural tube defects, and genetic disorders.
The procedure is typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation under ultrasound guidance.

Option A: This procedure involves taking a sample of placental tissue (chorionic villi), not amniotic fluid.
Option C: Also known as cordocentesis, this procedure involves collecting a blood sample directly from the umbilical cord.
Option D: This is incorrect because Amniocentesis is the correct procedure listed for obtaining amniotic fluid.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Prenatal Diagnostic Procedures as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in counseling patients about the purpose, risks, and benefits of each invasive prenatal test to facilitate informed decision-making.
Post-procedure monitoring is a key nursing responsibility, including assessing fetal heart rate, checking for vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage, and monitoring for signs of infection or preterm labor.
What if? If a patient at 12 weeks gestation required genetic testing due to a high-risk first-trimester screen, Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) would be the indicated procedure, not amniocentesis, because it can be performed earlier.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key substance mentioned in the question: 'Amniotic Fluid'.
Next, analyze the names of the procedures provided in the options.
The term 'Amnio' in 'Amniocentesis' directly relates to the amniotic fluid and amniotic sac.
Recall that 'Chorionic' in CVS relates to the chorion (part of the placenta), and 'Fetal blood sampling' clearly indicates blood is the sample.
Based on this direct word association and medical knowledge, select the procedure that matches the sample type.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics p. 531-533

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 52-63

Practise the full MP CHO-2020

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