Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

Quad screening is a blood test performed during pregnancy, typically in the second trimester, to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions in the developing fetus. The correct choice identifies the specific markers measured during this screening, which include alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), estriol, and inhibin A.

Each of these substances provides valuable information regarding the health of the fetus and helps to evaluate the likelihood of conditions, such as Down syndrome and neural tube defects.

Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein produced by the fetus, while HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Estriol is an estrogen produced by both the placenta and fetal liver, and inhibin A is a hormone produced by the placenta that can help indicate potential chromosomal conditions.

Understanding these markers and their significance is crucial for clinicians to provide appropriate counseling and follow-up care to expectant mothers. Other choices include substances that are not associated with quad screening, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone or various steroid hormones, which are not part of this particular screening process.