A client asks the nurse about the risks and complications associated with prenatal ultrasound.

Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?

The patient should wear loose-fitting clothing and lie supine on an examination table.

This is because loose-fitting clothing allows easy access to the abdomen and lying supine helps relax the abdominal muscles.

The patient should also avoid food and drinks for 8 to 12 hours before the test, as undigested food can interfere with the sound waves and affect the image quality.

Choice A is wrong because a full bladder is not necessary for an abdominal ultrasound, unless the patient is pregnant or has a pelvic condition.

A transvaginal ultrasound is a different type of ultrasound that uses a probe inserted into the vagina to examine the reproductive organs.

Choice B is wrong because tight-fitting clothing can restrict the movement of the ultrasound probe and make it harder to get a clear image.

Lying prone (on the stomach) can also tense up the abdominal muscles and obscure the organs.

Choice D is wrong because lying prone can have the same disadvantages as choice B. Additionally, wearing loose-fitting clothing does not mean that the patient can eat or drink anything before the test, as this can affect the results.

The correct answer is choice A. Notify the health care provider immediately.

This is because cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours after amniocentesis are signs of possible complications, such as injury to the baby or mother, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, Rh sensitization, preterm labor, or miscarriage.

These complications are rare, but they can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

Choice B is wrong because administering pain medication to the patient does not address the underlying cause of the cramping and bleeding, and may delay seeking help.

Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to rest and elevate her legs may not prevent further complications, and may also delay seeking help.

Choice D is wrong because offering emotional support and reassurance to the patient is not enough to ensure the safety of the baby and the mother, and may give a false sense of security.

Normal ranges for amniocentesis are:

No chromosomal defects detected in the fetus and no abnormal proteins present in amniotic fluid

No signs of infection or other illness in the baby

Fetal lungs mature enough for birth if delivery is planned sooner than 39 weeks