A female client at 36 weeks' gestation has been treated successfully for premature labor for 4 weeks. She has begun having uterine contractions today and has been admitted to the labor and delivery suite. Her amniocentesis results reveal a lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 2 and positive phosphatidylglycerol (PG). These lab values indicate:

Placental maturity is assessed by a biophysical profile. L/S ratio and presence of phosphatidylglycerol are not used to determine fetal asphyxia. A biophysical profile score of 6 may indicate this condition. Cord compression is not reflected by the L/S ratio or presence of phosphatidylglycerol. Variable decelerations observed through electronic fetal monitoring could reflect umbilical cord compression. An L/S ratio >2 and the presence of phosphatidylglycerol in amniotic fluid indicate fetal lung maturity.