Question

The client visits the prenatal clinic stating she believes she is pregnant. A pregnancy test is done to detect elevated levels of: A. Prolactin B. Human chorionic gonadotropin C. Lecithin-sphingomyelin D. Estriol

Short answer

Short Answer: A pregnancy test detects the elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to confirm pregnancy.

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a role in milk production during and after pregnancy. However, it is not the elevated substance during pregnancy tests. So, option A is incorrect.

Option B: Human chorionic gonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta after the implantation of the embryo in the uterus. It is the substance that is detected by pregnancy tests, as its levels are elevated in both blood and urine during pregnancy. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Option C: Lecithin-sphingomyelin

Lecithin-sphingomyelin (L/S ratio) is related to fetal lung maturity, and it is not the substance whose levels are elevated during a pregnancy test. So, option C is incorrect.

Option D: Estriol

Estriol is a hormone produced by the placenta and is the weakest of the three natural estrogens produced by the human body. Although its levels do increase during pregnancy, it is not the primary substance detected in pregnancy tests. Therefore, option D is incorrect. In conclusion, a pregnancy test detects the elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to confirm pregnancy, making option B the correct answer.