Pregnancy Assessment Questions Related

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The nurse has admitted a client who is 30 weeks gestation with suspected intrauterine growth restriction. The physician has ordered a Doppler blood flow study. What does the nurse suspect if the results show an S/D ratio above the 95th percentile for the gestational age, a ratio above 3, or end-diastolic blood flow that is absent or reversed?

  • A. Decreased blood pressure
  • B. Placental insufficiency
  • C. Increased amniotic fluid
  • D. Decreased fetal movement
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Placental insufficiency. An elevated S/D ratio (>95th percentile for gestational age or >3) and absent/reversed end-diastolic blood flow on Doppler study indicate impaired placental blood flow, leading to decreased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus. This can result in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and compromise fetal well-being. Decreased blood pressure (A) is not directly related to these Doppler findings. Increased amniotic fluid (C) is more commonly associated with conditions like fetal anomalies or maternal diabetes. Decreased fetal movement (D) may be a sign of fetal distress but is not specifically indicated by Doppler findings in IUGR.