Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client having a biophysical profile. The client asks what the test is for. What should the nurse include in the response? (Select All that Apply.)
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Amniotic fluid volume
Rationale:
Amniotic fluid volume
🔶 The Biophysical Profile (BPP) includes amniotic fluid volume (AFV) because it reflects chronic placental perfusion and fetal renal function, both sensitive to long‑standing hypoxia.
🔶 AFV is scored by ultrasound using either maximum vertical pocket (MVP ≥ 2 cm) or AFI (generally 5–24 cm), with normal findings receiving 2 points.
🔶 Oligohydramnios (low fluid) suggests uteroplacental insufficiency and is strongly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, prompting closer surveillance or delivery.
🔶 Because fluid volume changes slowly, it complements the acute variables (movement, tone, breathing), giving a balanced view of fetal well‑being.
🔶 Including AFV in the BPP helps clinicians differentiate transient fetal rest from true compromise, improving decision‑making about timing of delivery.
Fetal breathing
🔶 Fetal breathing movements (FBMs) are rhythmic diaphragmatic motions that indicate intact central nervous system (CNS) activity and adequate oxygenation.
🔶 On BPP, FBMs are present if there is a sustained episode ≥ 30 seconds within a 30‑minute observation; this earns 2 points.
🔶 FBMs are among the first acute behaviors to cease with hypoxemia/acidemia, so their presence is a reassuring sign.
🔶 Because FBMs are behavioral and oxygen‑dependent, they complement nonstress test results to reduce false positives.
🔶 Documenting FBMs helps the team gauge current fetal status, guiding whether to continue observation or expedite delivery.
Fetal motion (gross body movements)
🔶 Gross fetal movements (e.g., trunk/limb motions) demonstrate intact neuromuscular function and adequate oxygen delivery to the CNS and muscles.
🔶 The BPP awards 2 points when ≥ 3 discrete movements occur within a 30‑minute window, signaling healthy reactivity.
🔶 Decreased movement is an early sign of fetal hypoxia or acid–base imbalance, prompting escalation of care when absent.
🔶 Assessing motion alongside tone, breathing, and AFV yields a composite physiologic snapshot rather than relying on a single parameter.
🔶 Reliable scoring of movement improves risk stratification, helping determine the need for repeat testing, inpatient monitoring, or delivery.
Want to practice more questions like this?
This question is from Custom: NUR209 Final Assessment Su2. 2025 which contains 61 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
A nurse on a postpartum unit is giving discharge instructions to a client whose newborn had a circumcision with a Plastibell technique. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of circumcision care? (Select All that Apply.)
Answer Choices:
A 16-year-old is brought to the emergency room by her boyfriend with bruising around her eyes and neck. When asked what happened she states, "l walked into a door." What are the most appropriate interventions by the nurse? (Select All that Apply.)
Answer Choices:
A clinic nurse is assessing a client with a suspected diagnosis of endometriosis. Which of the following findings in the client's medical history should the nurse identify as consistent with a diagnosis of endometriosis?
Answer Choices:
Which statements made by the parent indicate that appropriate care is being provided to a a-year-old who has spastic type cerebral palsy? (Select All that Apply.)
Answer Choices:
The nurse knows that which of the following is not a cause of mastitis?
Answer Choices:
Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN Custom Exam(s)
- Answer Choices: 5