Which laboratory finding is least likely associated with fetal scalp blood sampling?

Prepare for the Fetal Health Surveillance Exam with a variety of study tools including flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question is accompanied by helpful hints and explanations to boost your understanding and success.

Fetal scalp blood sampling is primarily utilized to assess the well-being of the fetus during labor, particularly in cases of suspected fetal distress. This procedure allows for the analysis of specific laboratory findings that provide insights into the fetal metabolic state. The primary indicators measured during this sampling are the pH level, base excess, and blood lactate.

The pH level helps determine whether the fetus is experiencing acidosis or is in a normal state. A low pH indicates potential fetal distress due to hypoxia. Base excess provides information about the metabolic status of the fetus, indicating whether there’s an excess or deficit of base, which can signify metabolic issues. Blood lactate is crucial because an elevated lactate level indicates anaerobic metabolism, often associated with fetal hypoxia.

In contrast, determining the ABO blood type is not relevant in the context of fetal scalp blood sampling. ABO typing is typically used for managing blood transfusions or assessing Rh incompatibility, rather than for immediate evaluation of fetal distress or metabolic health during labor. Therefore, it is the least likely laboratory finding associated with fetal scalp blood sampling, as the other parameters directly relate to the assessment of the fetal condition during labor.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy