A patient is scheduled for an amniocentesis when she is 18 weeks pregnant. Which instruction concerning amniocentesis should the nurse give to the patient?
Plan to remain flat in bed for six hours after the test.
Expect some vaginal bleeding after the test.
Empty your bladder prior to the test.
Do not consume any solid foods for sixteen hours prior to the test.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Empty your bladder prior to the test. This is because a full bladder can interfere with the insertion of the needle and increase the risk of complications. Amniocentesis is a test that involves removing and testing a small sample of cells from amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb. It is done to check for genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome.
Choice A is wrong because there is no need to remain flat in bed for six hours after the test. You can resume your normal activities after a few hours of rest.
Choice B is wrong because vaginal bleeding is not a normal outcome of amniocentesis. If you experience any bleeding, leaking of fluid, fever or severe pain after the test, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Choice D is wrong because there is no restriction on eating before the test. You can have your normal meals and drinks before amniocentesis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Assess the client’s blood pressure.Methylergonovine is a uterotonic medication that can cause hypertension and is contraindicated for clients with preeclampsia or cardiac disease.
Therefore, the nurse should check the client’s blood pressure before administering this medication to ensure it is within normal range (120/80 mm Hg or lower).
Choice A is wrong because assessing the client’s pain scale is not a priority assessment before giving methylergonovine.
Pain is not a contraindication for this medication and does not affect its effectiveness.
Choice B is wrong because assessing the client’s respiratory rate is not a priority assessment before giving methylergonovine.
Respiratory rate is not affected by this medication and does not indicate any adverse effects.
Choice D is wrong because assessing the client’s last bowel movement is not a priority assessment before giving methylergonovine.
Bowel movement is not related to postpartum hemorrhage or uterine atony, which are the indications for this medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Checking for bladder distention is a secondary nursing assessment to ensure the fetal head can descend properly. However, it does not address the patient's report of leaking fluid. While important for comfort and progress, it lacks the diagnostic priority required to differentiate between urine and amniotic fluid during labor admission.
Choice B reason: This is the priority action to confirm Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes (SROM). Nitrazine paper detects the alkaline pH of amniotic fluid, which turns the paper blue. According to NIH clinical guidelines, distinguishing amniotic fluid from acidic urine is essential to manage infection risks and plan appropriate obstetric interventions for labor.
Choice C reason: Testing for glucose is a metabolic screening tool used to monitor for gestational diabetes or renal threshold changes. It provides no clinical value in determining the status of the amniotic membranes. Following Maslow’s Hierarchy, ensuring physiological safety via membrane assessment takes precedence over routine metabolic urine screenings.
Choice D reason: Obtaining a culture is a diagnostic step for identifying pathogens like Group B Streptococcus, but it is not an initial assessment. Cultures require significant time for results and do not confirm rupture. Rapid bedside tests are the standard initial action to determine if the "bag of water" is broken.
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