Prenatal Care & Maternal Assessment Flashcards
6 cards from real CMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Prenatal Care & Maternal Assessment flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of prenatal visits in the first trimester?
Answer: Confirm pregnancy viability & assess risks
Early prenatal visits in the first trimester are crucial for confirming the pregnancy, often through ultrasound to check for viability and gestational age. They also involve comprehensive health assessments to identify any potential risks to the mother or baby, such as pre-existing conditions or genetic concerns, allowing for early intervention and planning. This foundational assessment sets the stage for healthy pregnancy management.
Which measurement is used to estimate gestational age during the second trimester?
Answer: Fundal height
Fundal height, measured from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, is a common clinical measurement used during the second and third trimesters to estimate gestational age and assess fetal growth. Generally, after 20 weeks, the fundal height in centimeters roughly correlates with the number of weeks of gestation, providing a quick assessment of uterine growth. Other measurements are used for different purposes.
Which lab test is routinely performed to check for gestational diabetes?
Answer: Glucose challenge test
The glucose challenge test (GCT) is a screening test typically performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to identify women at risk for gestational diabetes. If the GCT results are abnormal, a more definitive oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is usually performed. This screening is crucial for managing potential blood sugar issues during pregnancy.
What is considered a normal fetal heart rate during prenatal checkups?
Answer: 110-160 bpm
A normal fetal heart rate (FHR) during prenatal checkups typically ranges between 110 and 160 beats per minute (bpm). This range indicates a healthy fetal cardiovascular system and is regularly monitored to detect any signs of fetal distress or other complications. Significant deviations from this range may warrant further investigation.
Why is Rh factor testing important in prenatal care?
Answer: To prevent Rh incompatibility
Rh factor testing is vital in prenatal care to determine if the mother is Rh-negative. If an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, her immune system could produce antibodies that attack the baby's red blood cells, leading to Rh incompatibility disease. This serious condition can be prevented with RhoGAM injections, making early testing critical.
What nutrient is especially important during the first trimester to prevent neural tube defects?
Answer: Folic acid
Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is critically important during the first trimester, and ideally even before conception, to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Adequate intake helps ensure proper development of the baby's brain and spinal cord, significantly reducing the risk of these serious birth defects. Other nutrients are also important but not specifically for NTD prevention.