Maternity Nursing Q 190
A client, 30 weeks pregnant, is scheduled for a biophysical profile (BPP) to evaluate the health of her fetus. Her BPP score is 8. What does this score indicate?
A. The fetus should be delivered within 24 hours.
B. The client should repeat the test in 24 hours.
C. The fetus isn’t in distress at this time.
D. The client should repeat the test in 1 week.
Correct Answer: C. The fetus isn’t in distress at this time.
The BPP evaluates fetal health by assessing five variables: fetal breathing movements, gross body movements, fetal tone, reactive fetal heart rate, and qualitative amniotic fluid volume. A normal response for each variable receives 2 points; an abnormal response receives 0 points. A score between 8 and 10 is considered normal, indicating that the fetus has a low risk of oxygen deprivation and isn’t in distress. A fetus with a score of 6 or lower is at risk for asphyxia and premature birth; this score warrants detailed investigation. The BPP may or may not be repeated if the score isn’t within normal limits.
Option A: The biophysical profile is a test used to evaluate the well-being of the fetus. It is commonly done at the last trimester of pregnancy, but it does not indicate that the fetus should be delivered within 24 hours.
Option B: If the score is 6, the health care provider will likely repeat the test within 24 hours.
Option D: The test is most commonly done when there’s an increased risk of problems that could lead to complications or pregnancy loss. The health care provider will determine the necessity and timing of a biophysical profile based on whether the baby could survive if delivered early, the severity of the mother’s condition, and the risk of pregnancy loss.