Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

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When is the typical window for quad screening to be performed during pregnancy?

12-14 weeks
16-18 weeks
20-22 weeks
24-26 weeks

The correct answer is: 16-18 weeks

The quad screening test, which assesses specific markers in the mother's blood to evaluate the risk of certain fetal conditions such as Down syndrome and neural tube defects, is typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. The optimal time frame for conducting this test is between 16 to 18 weeks of gestation. This period allows for adequate time to obtain reliable results from the biomarkers measured, which include alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estriol, and inhibin A. Performing the test too early or too late may result in inaccurate interpretations or missed opportunities for further diagnostic testing if needed. Thus, the correct timeframe for the quad screening aligns with the standard clinical practice guidelines established for prenatal care.