Pregnancy Assessment Questions Related

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A client with diabetes mellitus is at 37 weeks gestation. She has had weekly NSTs for the last 3 weeks, and the results have been reactive. This week, the NST was nonreactive after 40 minutes. The nurse anticipates which of the following will be performed for the client based on these results?

  • A. Scheduled for an immediate ultrasound
  • B. Scheduled for a biophysical profile
  • C. Admitted to the hospital for induction of labor
  • D. Scheduled for a follow-up appointment for NST in 2 days
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Scheduled for a biophysical profile. At 37 weeks gestation, a nonreactive NST after 40 minutes indicates a need for further evaluation with a biophysical profile to assess fetal well-being comprehensively. This test includes NST along with ultrasound evaluation of amniotic fluid volume, fetal tone, fetal breathing movements, and gross body movements. Biophysical profile provides a more detailed assessment of fetal status compared to NST alone.

Choice A is incorrect because an immediate ultrasound is not the next step after a nonreactive NST. Choice C is incorrect because hospital admission for labor induction is premature based on one nonreactive NST result. Choice D is incorrect because waiting for 2 days for a follow-up NST is not recommended due to the urgency of assessing fetal well-being promptly.