A client has had amniocentesis. One of the tests performed on the amniotic fluid is a lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio. The results show a ratio of 1:1. This is indicative of:

The correct answer is A. Lung immaturity. (A) At about 30-32 weeks' gestation, the amounts of the surfactants, lecithin, and sphingomyelin become equal. As the fetal lungs mature, the concentration of lecithin begins to exceed that of sphingomyelin. At 35 weeks, the L/S ratio is 2:1. Respiratory distress syndrome is…

Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

Question

Options

ALung immaturity
BIntrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)
CIntrauterine infection
DNeural tube defect

How the community answered

(44 responses)

A
91% (40)
B
5% (2)
C
2% (1)
D
2% (1)

Explanation

(A) At about 30-32 weeks' gestation, the amounts of the surfactants, lecithin, and sphingomyelin become equal. As the fetal lungs mature, the concentration of lecithin begins to exceed that of sphingomyelin. At 35 weeks, the L/S ratio is 2:1. Respiratory distress syndrome is unlikely if birth occurs at this time. (B) IUGR is associated with compromised uteroplacental perfusion or with viral infections, chromosomal disorders, congenital malformations, and maternal malnutrition. IUGR is not specifically assessed by analysis of the L/S ratio. (C) Analysis of the L/S ratio is not an assessment used to confirm intrauterine infection. (D) Elevated levels of _-fetoprotein in maternal serum or in amniotic fluid have been found to reflect open neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Topics

#lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio#fetal lung maturity#amniocentesis interpretation#respiratory distress syndrome

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