Fetal Development

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Sample questions from Fetal Development

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.During antenatal testing, a 29-year-old client is evaluated for changes in fetal activity. Refer to the client's chart. Which action should the nurse take first?

   • A.Reassure the client that movement decreases as fetal maturity increases
   • B.Arrange prompt evaluation in the obstetric unit
   • C.Schedule repeat testing at the next weekly appointment
   • D.Begin teaching about nutrition for fetal weight gain

   Rationale: Markedly reduced movement, estimated fetal weight at the 4th percentile, and a nonreactive tracing after 40 minutes require prompt obstetric evaluation. Waiting a week could delay identification of fetal compromise. Reduced space does not explain a substantial decline in fetal activity, and nutrition teaching does not address the immediate concern. Prioritize assessment of fetal well-being over routine teaching.

2. 2.At change of shift in a prenatal clinic, an RN and an experienced assistive personnel member are caring for four clients. Which task is appropriate for the RN to delegate to the assistive personnel member?

   • A.Assess a 31-year-old who reports that fetal movement stopped this morning
   • B.Explain fetal organ formation to a 17-year-old at the first prenatal visit
   • C.Interpret a nonstress test for a 36-year-old with fetal growth restriction
   • D.Measure the weight of a stable 24-year-old attending a routine prenatal visit

   Rationale: Measuring and reporting the weight of a stable client is a routine task appropriate for trained assistive personnel. Teaching about organ formation and interpreting a nonstress test require nursing knowledge and judgment. Assessing absent fetal movement also requires the RN because it may indicate fetal compromise. Delegate predictable tasks, not assessment, interpretation, or initial teaching.

3. 3.In a maternal-fetal medicine clinic, a 34-year-old client receives a prenatal screening result. Refer to the client's chart. Which nursing actions are appropriate? Select all that apply.

   • A.Document the fetus as having confirmed trisomy 21
   • B.Arrange discussion of diagnostic testing options
   • C.Facilitate referral for genetic counseling
   • D.Tell the client that an irreversible pregnancy decision should be made today
   • E.Explain that the screening result does not establish a fetal diagnosis

   Rationale: The chart identifies an increased-risk cell-free DNA screen, not a diagnostic result, so the nurse should explain that distinction and facilitate genetic counseling. Discussion of diagnostic options supports informed decision-making, particularly because the client asks whether the result is certain. Pressuring an immediate irreversible decision violates autonomy, and documenting confirmed trisomy 21 misrepresents the result. Screening estimates risk; diagnostic testing can establish whether the condition is present.

4. 4.Before amniocentesis at an outpatient diagnostic center, a 38-year-old client at 16 weeks states, 'I signed the form, but I do not understand the chance of pregnancy loss.' The provider is preparing the sterile field. What should the nurse do?

   • A.Ask the provider to clarify risks before the procedure proceeds
   • B.Witness the signature because the form is already signed
   • C.Tell the client that signing the form means the explanation was sufficient
   • D.Provide a numerical risk estimate and authorize the procedure to begin

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.An ultrasound report for a 25-year-old client at 22 weeks identifies a fetal cardiac defect likely to require intervention shortly after birth. In the community prenatal clinic, which referral should the nurse prioritize?

   • A.A routine childbirth class at the nearest recreation center
   • B.A home health aide for routine household assistance
   • C.A maternal-fetal medicine and pediatric cardiology team
   • D.A pediatric dental clinic for future preventive care

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.