Question

A pregnant client asks the LPN about the purpose of amniocentesis. What is the most appropriate statement by the LPN?

a) It's done to determine the baby's gender.
b) Amniocentesis helps assess fetal lung development.
c) It can identify genetic abnormalities in the baby.
d) Amniocentesis is used to check the mother's blood type.

Answer 1

Amniocentesis is a procedure that mainly helps in diagnosing genetic abnormalities in the fetus by analyzing amniotic fluid, although it can also assess fetal lung development.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of amniocentesis is multifaceted, but when diagnosing genetic disorders, it plays a crucial role. One of the genetic abnormalities that amniocentesis can help to identify include chromosomal disorders such as Down's syndrome, genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, and certain inherited conditions. By extracting and analyzing the amniotic fluid, which contains fetal cells, healthcare professionals gain insights into the baby's genetic makeup. Apart from genetic screening, amniocentesis can also assess fetal lung development, especially relevant during late pregnancy stages or in scenarios where premature labor might occur.