Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Simulated
The client who is 32 weeks pregnant asks how the nurse will monitor the babyÔÇÖs growth and determine if the baby is ÔÇ£really okay.ÔÇØ Which assessments should the nurse identify for evaluating the fetus for adequate growth and viability? Select all that apply.
Correct answer
B,E
Rationale
Adequate fetal growth is evaluated by measuring the fundal height. Auscultating the FHT assesses fetal viability. The presence of fetal (not maternal) heart tones starting at around 10-12 weeks is a standard to assess fetal growth and viability. The abdominal circumference does not provide information about fetal growth. The increase in abdominal girth could be due to weight gain or fluid retention, not just growth of the baby. Third-trimester ultrasound is neither routine nor advised for routine prenatal care because of the added cost and potential risk to the fetus.