Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a patient who is about to undergo a biophysical profile. The patient asks the nurse what will be evaluated during this test. Which of the following should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Fetal motion.
Rationale:
🔹Fetal motion (Fetal body movements)
▪️ This refers to gross body movements of the fetus, such as kicking, stretching, or rolling, observed via real-time ultrasound during the biophysical profile (BPP).
▪️ At least three distinct body or limb movements within a 30-minute observation period typically receive a score of 2, indicating reassuring neurologic function.
▪️ Decreased fetal movement may be a sign of fetal hypoxia, CNS depression, or compromised oxygenation, especially in high-risk pregnancies.
▪️ The presence of spontaneous motion reflects an intact central nervous system and adequate oxygenation.
🔹 Fetal breathing (Fetal breathing movements)
▪️ These are rhythmic diaphragmatic movements that mimic breathing, observed through ultrasound and used to assess fetal well-being.
▪️ For a normal score, the fetus must exhibit at least one episode of breathing movement lasting 30 seconds or more within 30 minutes.
▪️ Although the fetus is not actually exchanging air, these movements are important markers of neurologic and respiratory maturity.
▪️ Absence of breathing movements may indicate hypoxemia, neurologic impairment, or fetal distress.
🔹Amniotic fluid volume
▪️ This component evaluates the amount of amniotic fluid using ultrasound to measure the deepest vertical pocket or calculate the amniotic fluid index (AFI).
▪️ An AFI between 5–25 cm or a single pocket >2 cm is considered normal and scores a 2.
▪️ Amniotic fluid levels reflect fetal kidney perfusion and function, since the fetus contributes to fluid volume through urine production.
▪️ Oligohydramnios (low fluid) may suggest placental insufficiency, rupture of membranes, or fetal renal anomalies, while polyhydramnios (high fluid) can be linked to maternal diabetes or fetal anomalies.
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This question is from ATI Concept Level Exam 2 which contains 60 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN Concept-Based Assessment Level Exam(s)
- Answer Choices: 5