A nurse is reinforcing teaching about fetal development with a group of women who are pregnant. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale for Choice A:
It is accurate that scheduling the NST when the baby is usually active is beneficial. This is because fetal movement is expected to cause accelerations in the fetal heart rate, which is a positive sign of fetal well-being.
By scheduling the test during a time of typical fetal activity, the chances of obtaining a reactive NST (a normal result) are increased.
Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further teaching.

Rationale for Choice B:
Lying on the back during the NST is not recommended.
This position can cause the weight of the uterus to compress the major blood vessels (the inferior vena cava and aorta), potentially reducing blood flow to the placenta and fetus.
Reduced blood flow can, in turn, lead to a decrease in fetal heart rate and movement.
To avoid this, the recommended position for NST is a semi-Fowler's position, which involves being partially reclined with the head and upper body elevated.
This position helps to promote uterine perfusion and prevent supine hypotension.

Rationale for Choice C:
It is accurate that the baby's heart rate will be monitored during the NST.
This is the primary purpose of the test: to assess the fetal heart rate response to fetal movement. Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further teaching.

Rationale for Choice D:
It is accurate that the client will be able to go to the bathroom during the NST if necessary. The test is noninvasive and does not require strict immobility.
The client can move around and use the bathroom as needed, as long as the fetal heart rate monitor is not disconnected.
Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further teaching.

Choice A rationale:

Premature maturity is not a plausible cause of bleeding without contractions at 1 week of pregnancy. Premature maturity, or preterm labor, refers to labor that begins before 37 weeks of gestation. It is characterized by contractions and cervical changes, often accompanied by other symptoms such as lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or a change in vaginal discharge. At 1 week of pregnancy, the fetus is still in the very early stages of development, and premature labor is not possible.

Choice C rationale:

The location of the placenta can sometimes cause bleeding in pregnancy, but it is typically associated with later stages of gestation, such as the second or third trimester. Placental conditions like placenta previa, where the placenta lies low in the uterus and partially or completely covers the cervix, can lead to bleeding, but this is unlikely to occur at 1 week of pregnancy. Moreover, placenta previa is usually accompanied by pain or cramping, which is not present in the client's case.

Choice D rationale:

The frequency and duration of contractions are relevant in assessing labor progression, but they are not a primary cause of bleeding without contractions. Contractions are the rhythmic tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscles that help to dilate the cervix and move the baby through the birth canal. Bleeding without contractions at 1 week of pregnancy suggests a different underlying issue.

Choice B rationale:

Incompetency, also known as cervical insufficiency or cervical incompetence, is the most likely cause of bleeding without contractions at 1 week of pregnancy. It occurs when the cervix is weak and begins to open prematurely, even without the presence of contractions. This can lead to bleeding and potential miscarriage or preterm birth. The fact that the client can feel the baby moving does not rule out cervical insufficiency, as fetal movement can sometimes be felt as early as 13-16 weeks of pregnancy.