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A 29-year-old gravida 1, para 0 woman who is 35 weeks pregnant is admitted to the labor and delivery unit. She states that there is fluid leaking from her vagina but she is not sure if it is urine. What should the nurse do to make the determination?

  • A. A nitrazine test is the most conclusive test.
  • B. Nitrazine paper changes from yellow to dark blue due to the acidic nature of amniotic fluid.
  • C. Ferning is more conclusive than nitrazine paper testing.
  • D. Note if there is fluid leaking from the perineal area.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse should perform a nitrazine test to determine if the fluid leaking is amniotic fluid. Here's the rationale:
1. Nitrazine test is specifically designed to differentiate amniotic fluid from urine.
2. Amniotic fluid is alkaline, causing the nitrazine paper to turn blue when it comes into contact with it.
3. Urine, on the other hand, does not change the color of the nitrazine paper.
4. This test is quick, easy to perform, and provides a conclusive result in differentiating amniotic fluid from other fluids.
In summary:
- Choice B incorrectly describes the color change mechanism of nitrazine paper.
- Choice C refers to ferning, which is not as conclusive as the nitrazine test.
- Choice D does not provide a definitive method for determining if the leaking fluid is amniotic fluid.