The nurse is reviewing the schedule for the OB/GYN she works for. In reviewing a patient’s chart, the nurse notes the patient is 32 weeks pregnant, has hypertension, and had a previous fetal death. What test does the nurse anticipate the provider will order?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: nonstress test. A nonstress test is used to assess fetal well-being by monitoring the baby's heart rate in response to its own movements. In this case, the patient's history of hypertension and previous fetal death indicate a higher risk pregnancy, making it important to monitor the baby's well-being. A contraction stress test (choice A) is not suitable for a patient with hypertension as it can induce contractions and potentially harm the baby. An amniotic fluid index (choice B) is used to evaluate amniotic fluid levels and is not specific to this patient's situation. Fetal movement count (choice D) assesses the baby's movements but does not provide real-time information on fetal well-being like a nonstress test does.