A client is scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound in two weeks to assess fetal growth and development during pregnancy.

Which of these statements made by the client indicates that further teaching is needed?

A contraction stress test (CST) is a test that simulates labor contractions to see how the baby’s heart rate responds to the stress of uterine contractions.

The biggest risk of the test is that it may cause the pregnant person to go into labor before their due date.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice B. Premature rupture of membranes.

This is a condition where the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins.

It can increase the risk of infection and cord prolapse, but it is not a direct complication of CST.

Choice C. Infection.

This is a possible risk of any invasive procedure, but CST is usually done with external fetal monitoring and oxytocin infusion, which do not require breaking the skin or entering the uterus.

Choice D. Bleeding.

This is a potential risk of CST for people who have placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the cervix and can detach during contractions.

However, CST is not recommended for people who have placenta previa or other conditions that increase the risk of uterine rupture or bleeding.

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.