Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)is an Important Biochemical Marker for Pregnancy

question 6

Multiple Choice

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an important biochemical marker for pregnancy and therefore the basis for many tests.A maternity nurse should be aware that:

• A)hCG can be detected as early as 2 1/2 weeks after conception
• B)The hCG level increases gradually and uniformly throughout pregnancy
• C)Much lower than normal increases in the level of hCG may indicate a postdate pregnancy
• D)A higher than normal level of hCG may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome