RN Nursing · Antepartum Diagnostic Testing and Fetal Surveillance · Practice question
A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo a biophysical profile. The client asks the nurse what is being evaluated during this test. Which of the following should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
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✓
Fetal breathing movements
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✓
Fetal motion flexion and extension.
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✓
Amniotic fluid volume
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✓
Fetal muscle tone
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Fetal malformations.
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Fetal gender
Answer & explanation
Correct: Fetal breathing movements · Fetal motion flexion and extension. · Amniotic fluid volume · Fetal muscle tone
A biophysical profile (BPP) is an antepartum surveillance tool that evaluates fetal well-being using real-time ultrasound combined with a nonstress test. The five components assessed are fetal breathing movements, fetal gross body movements (including flexion and extension), fetal muscle tone, amniotic fluid volume, and the nonstress test result. Each component is scored zero or two points, for a maximum of ten points, with scores of eight or higher generally indicating fetal well-being. Fetal breathing movements reflect central nervous system integrity and are present when the fetus makes at least one episode of rhythmic breathing for thirty seconds within thirty minutes. Fetal motion flexion and extension and fetal muscle tone together assess neuromuscular control. Amniotic fluid volume is critical because oligohydramnios suggests uteroplacental insufficiency. Fetal malformations are not assessed by the BPP; structural anomalies are evaluated by dedicated anatomical ultrasound scans, typically performed in the second trimester. Fetal gender is likewise not a component of the BPP and is identified through anatomical ultrasound or genetic testing. The nurse should include only the four evidence-based components in client teaching.
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