A nurse is performing a nonstress test (NST) on a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and asks "what are you looking for during this test?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"We are looking for increases in fetal heart rate of 15 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds.
"We will draw blood to evaluate the baby's risk of genetic problems.”.
"If the baby moves 5 times in 15 minutes, then the baby is healthy.”.
"I am looking at the ultrasound to see if the baby has any congenital anomalies.”.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A reactive nonstress test demonstrates at least two accelerations in fetal heart rate, defined as an increase of 15 beats per minute above the baseline lasting for 15 seconds, within a 20-minute period. These accelerations indicate adequate fetal oxygenation and a healthy fetal autonomic nervous system response to movement.
Choice B rationale
Drawing blood to evaluate the baby's risk of genetic problems is typically performed through procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, not during a nonstress test. A nonstress test assesses fetal well-being based on heart rate patterns in response to fetal movement.
Choice C rationale
While fetal movement is an indicator of fetal well-being, the nonstress test specifically evaluates the fetal heart rate response to that movement. The number of movements within a specific time frame is a component of a biophysical profile, not the sole indicator in a nonstress test.
Choice D rationale
Ultrasound is used to visualize fetal anatomy and assess for congenital anomalies, which is a component of a fetal anatomy scan typically performed around 18-20 weeks of gestation. A nonstress test primarily monitors fetal heart rate and its reactivity.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
When the fetal heart tones are heard loudest in the upper right abdominal quadrant above the umbilicus, it suggests that the fetal back, which transmits sound most clearly, is located in that area. In a breech presentation, the fetal buttocks or feet are in the lower uterine segment, and the head is in the upper portion of the uterus. Therefore, the fetal heart sounds would be best auscultated in the upper abdomen.
Choice B rationale
In the left occiput anterior (LOA) position, the fetal occiput is in the left anterior quadrant of the maternal pelvis. The fetal heart tones are typically heard loudest in the lower left quadrant of the maternal abdomen because the fetal back is usually anterior and slightly to the left.
Choice C rationale
Polyhydramnios is an excessive amount of amniotic fluid. While it can sometimes make it more difficult to auscultate fetal heart tones clearly due to increased fluid volume, it does not directly correlate with the location where the heart tones are heard loudest. The position of the fetus is the primary determinant of the auscultation location.
Choice D rationale
In the right occiput posterior (ROP) position, the fetal occiput is in the right posterior quadrant of the maternal pelvis. The fetal heart tones would typically be heard loudest in the lower right quadrant of the maternal abdomen, as the fetal back would be positioned posteriorly and to the right.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While understanding methods of labor induction is important if the pregnancy progresses to 42 weeks, it is not the priority teaching at 31 weeks gestation. The immediate focus should be on recognizing potential complications that could arise before the scheduled induction.
Choice B rationale
The benefits of breastfeeding are important for all pregnant women but are not the priority teaching for a client at 31 weeks who is not yet in labor. Information about breastfeeding can be provided later in the pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Teaching the signs of labor is important as the client approaches term, but at 31 weeks, the priority is to educate the client on recognizing potential warning signs that require immediate attention, such as decreased fetal movement.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring fetal movement is a crucial teaching point at 31 weeks gestation. A decrease in fetal movement can be an early indicator of fetal compromise and requires prompt evaluation. Instructing the client on how to perform kick counts and when to report changes is a priority for ensuring fetal well-being before the scheduled induction.
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