A nurse is caring for a client at 38 weeks gestation who arrived to the triage with complaints of decreased fetal movement. The nurse contacts the provider and reports the findings. The nurse anticipates an order for which of the following?
Non-stress test.
Biophysical profile.
Ultrasound.
Amniocentesis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A non-stress test (NST) is a common initial assessment for decreased fetal movement. It evaluates fetal heart rate patterns in response to fetal movements, providing information about fetal well-being and oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
A biophysical profile (BPP) is a more comprehensive assessment that includes an NST and ultrasound evaluation of fetal movements, tone, breathing, and amniotic fluid volume. It may be ordered if the NST results are non-reassuring or if there are other concerns.
Choice C rationale
An ultrasound can provide valuable information about fetal growth, amniotic fluid volume, and placental function. It may be used in conjunction with other tests but is not the first-line assessment for decreased fetal movement.
Choice D rationale
Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure used for specific indications, such as genetic testing or assessing fetal lung maturity. It is not typically used for initial assessment of decreased fetal movement.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the fetal heart rate is the next appropriate action. The fetal heart rate provides crucial information about the fetus’s well-being and can help identify any potential issues that may need further intervention.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring uterine contractions is important, but in this scenario, the client’s vital signs are stable, and there is no indication of labor. Therefore, monitoring the fetal heart rate takes precedence.
Choice C rationale
Amniotic fluid levels are important to monitor, but they are typically assessed through ultrasound rather than immediate bedside monitoring. The fetal heart rate provides more immediate information about the fetus’s condition.
Choice D rationale
Cervical dilation is relevant during labor, but there is no indication that the client is in labor based on the provided vital signs. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is more pertinent in this situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging the client to walk around for 30 minutes and then resume monitoring is not the most appropriate action in this scenario. Walking may help stimulate fetal movement, but it is not the first-line intervention when there are no accelerations or fetal movement during a nonstress test. The nurse should try other methods to stimulate fetal movement before resorting to walking.
Choice B rationale
Performing vibroacoustic stimulation is the correct action. Vibroacoustic stimulation involves using a device to produce a sound and vibration near the maternal abdomen to stimulate fetal movement and heart rate accelerations. This method is non-invasive and can help determine fetal well-being by eliciting a response from the fetus.
Choice C rationale
Immediately reporting the situation to the provider and preparing the client for induction of labor is premature. The absence of accelerations or fetal movement during a nonstress test does not immediately indicate a need for induction of labor. Other less invasive interventions, such as vibroacoustic stimulation, should be attempted first.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the client into a supine position is not recommended. The supine position can lead to supine hypotensive syndrome, which can decrease blood flow to the fetus. The nurse should avoid placing the client in a supine position and instead try other methods to stimulate fetal movement.