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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B.“The placenta was blocking the opening of the womb.”
This statement shows that the patient understands that placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers or is near the internal os of the cervix, which prevents a safe vaginal delivery.The patient would need a cesarean delivery to avoid bleeding and complications.
Choice A is wrong because it describes placental abruption, not placenta previa.
Placental abruption is when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, which can cause severe bleeding and fetal distress.
Choice C is wrong because it describes a normal position of the placenta at the top of the womb.
This does not interfere with vaginal delivery and does not cause bleeding.
Choice D is wrong because it describes placenta increta or percreta, not placenta previa.
Placenta increta or percreta is when the placenta grows too deeply into or through the uterine wall, which can cause severe bleeding and damage to the uterus and other organs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because a normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute, and the range of 136 to 143 indicates that the fetus is well-oxygenated and not experiencing hypoxia or acidosis. The nurse should reassure the patient and explain that fetal movement may decrease during labor due to the pressure of the contractions on the uterus and the fetus.
Choice A is wrong because asking the patient about alcohol consumption is irrelevant and insensitive.
Alcohol can affect fetal development and growth, but it does not directly affect fetal movement or heart rate.
Choice B is wrong because bloody vaginal discharge, or bloody show, is a normal sign of cervical dilation and effacement during labor.
It does not indicate fetal distress or placental abruption.
Choice D is wrong because explaining the relationship between anxiety and fetal movement does not address the patient’s concern or provide any factual information.
Anxiety can affect maternal perception of fetal movement, but it does not cause fetal movement to decrease.
The nurse should validate the patient’s feelings and provide factual reassurance.
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