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

Expert verified
Answer: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Step by step solution

01

Reviewing option A - Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone that plays a role in milk production in pregnant and nursing females. However, the levels of prolactin do not change significantly in early pregnancy and therefore, it is not used to detect pregnancy. So, option A is incorrect.
02

Reviewing option B - Human chorionic gonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation. The levels of hCG begin to rise rapidly in the early stages of pregnancy, making it a reliable indicator for pregnancy tests. Hence, option B is likely the correct answer.
03

Reviewing option C - Lecithin-sphingomyelin

Lecithin-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio is a test used to assess fetal lung maturity, but not for detecting pregnancy. So, option C is incorrect.
04

Reviewing option D - Estriol

Estriol is an estrogen hormone produced by the placenta and fetus. Although it increases during pregnancy, it is not used as a primary marker to detect pregnancy. Thus, option D is incorrect.
05

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of each option, the correct answer is: B. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) A pregnancy test is done to detect elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), as it is a reliable indicator of early pregnancy.

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