Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

For which patient might amniocentesis be most likely prescribed?

1. A 25-year-old woman with a history of infertility

2. A 39-year-old woman experiencing her first pregnancy

3. A teenage mother in her second trimester

4. A woman with previous miscarriages

The correct answer is: A 39-year-old woman experiencing her first pregnancy

Amniocentesis is a procedure commonly recommended to screen for genetic abnormalities in the fetus, particularly for women at higher risk of chromosomal issues. The likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities increases with maternal age, making advanced age a critical factor in deciding whether to perform this procedure. In this scenario, a 39-year-old woman experiencing her first pregnancy is at an elevated risk for conditions such as Down syndrome and other genetic disorders, due to her age. As a result, healthcare providers are more inclined to prescribe amniocentesis to gather important genetic information about the fetus, which can help in preparing for any potential complications or conditions that may require special consideration. While other patients in the options may present relevant medical histories, their specific contexts do not typically escalate the recommendation for amniocentesis to the same extent as advanced maternal age does. A 25-year-old woman, a teenage mother, or a woman with previous miscarriages may not exhibit the same level of risk associated with chromosomal abnormalities that would prompt a physician to suggest amniocentesis as often as in the case of the older first-time mother.