This prenatal test uses electronic fetal monitoring to assess fetal heart rate patterns in response to fetal movements, without using contractions or medications.
What is a nonstress test (NST)?
This prenatal diagnostic test, typically performed between 10 and 13 weeks gestation, involves sampling placental tissue to detect chromosomal and genetic abnormalities.
What is chorionic villus sampling (CVS)?
This rare condition involves abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue in the uterus, often characterized by elevated hCG levels and a “snowstorm” pattern on ultrasound.
What is gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)?
In this type of placenta previa, the placenta partially covers the cervical os, leading to painless vaginal bleeding and requiring careful monitoring and possible cesarean delivery.
What is incomplete (or partial) placenta previa?
These medications may be administered to stimulate uterine contractions and assist in expelling retained products of conception following an incomplete or missed abortion.
What are prostaglandins and oxytocin?
This non-invasive imaging technique uses a transducer on the abdomen to visualize the fetus and assess growth, position, and overall development. It is recommended for the client to have a full bladder when the test is being done.
What is an external abdominal ultrasound?
This early prenatal test allows for diagnosis of genetic disorders by sampling placental tissue, providing results sooner than amniocentesis to assist with early pregnancy decision-making.
What is chorionic villus sampling (CVS)?
This surgical procedure is often performed to manage incomplete miscarriage or abnormal bleeding during early pregnancy by removing uterine contents.
What is dilation and curettage (D&C)?
This obstetric emergency occurs when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall, often causing painful vaginal bleeding and a firm, tender uterus.
What is abruptio placentae?
In this type of spontaneous abortion, some but not all products of conception are expelled, often resulting in continued bleeding and cramping requiring further medical intervention.
What is an incomplete abortion?
This prenatal test combines ultrasound assessment with a nonstress test to evaluate five indicators of fetal health, including breathing movements and amniotic fluid volume.
What is a biophysical profile (BPP)?
This component of the quad screen is a protein produced by the fetal liver and, when elevated or decreased in maternal blood, may indicate neural tube defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
What is maternal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)?
This type of pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tube, posing a risk of rupture and hemorrhage.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
In this rare but life-threatening condition, fetal blood vessels cross or run near the cervical opening, placing the fetus at high risk of hemorrhage if the membranes rupture.
What is vasa previa?
This is the nurse’s priority action when caring for a patient with a suspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy presenting with sharp abdominal pain, hypotension, and shoulder pain.
What is initiate emergency care and prepare for immediate surgical intervention?
This diagnostic procedure involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to withdraw fluid for testing, often used to detect genetic disorders or assess fetal lung maturity.
What is an amniocentesis?
This maternal blood test, typically done between 15 and 20 weeks gestation, measures four substances to assess the risk of neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
What is the quad marker screening?
This term describes the complete expulsion of all products of conception from the uterus before 20 weeks gestation, usually resulting in cessation of bleeding and cramping.
What is a complete abortion?
In this severe form of placenta previa, the placenta entirely covers the cervical os, often requiring cesarean delivery and close monitoring for hemorrhage.
What is complete placenta previa?
These signs and symptoms are commonly observed in a patient with an ectopic pregnancy before rupture occurs.
What are unilateral pelvic pain, vaginal spotting or bleeding, and missed menstrual period?
This advanced imaging technique provides three-dimensional views of fetal structures and assesses blood flow in the placenta and umbilical cord.
What is a 3D Doppler ultrasound?
This diagnostic test involves inserting a needle into the umbilical vein under ultrasound guidance to obtain fetal blood, often used to detect fetal anemia or infections.
What is percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS)?
This term refers to the unintentional loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation, often caused by chromosomal abnormalities or maternal health conditions.
What is a spontaneous abortion?
This condition occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical os, often presenting with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.
What is placenta previa?
This abnormal pregnancy results from the overgrowth of trophoblastic tissue, forming grape-like vesicles in the uterus and causing elevated hCG levels and bleeding.
What is a hydatidiform mole?