A nurse is caring for a client who has been in labor for 12 hours with intact membranes. The nurse performs a vaginal examination to ensure which of the following prior to the performance of the amniotomy?

The correct answer is B. An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is present.

A. Polyhydramnios is primarily characterized by an increased volume of amniotic fluid, and it is not directly linked to congenital anomalies, growth restriction, or fetal distress. However, it can be associated with certain conditions that affect fetal swallowing or the production of amniotic fluid.

B. Correct. Polyhydramnios refers to an abnormal increase in the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. This condition can result from various factors, such as fetal anomalies, maternal diabetes, or gastrointestinal malformations in the fetus that affect the swallowing of amniotic fluid.

C. An elevated level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid is associated with neural

tube defects, not polyhydramnios.

D. Carrying more than one fetus (multifetal gestation) can be associated with an increased risk of polyhydramnios due to factors such as increased fetal urine production, but the presence of polyhydramnios does not necessarily indicate a multifetal pregnancy.

The correct answer is A. Emotional lability.

A. Emotional lability: Emotional lability refers to rapid and unpredictable changes in mood, with intense emotions shifting quickly from one extreme to another. It is a common aspect of the emotional adaptation to pregnancy and is often influenced by hormonal changes.

B. Focusing phase: The focusing phase is a concept related to the process of adapting to pregnancy. It involves the pregnant individual focusing on the reality of the pregnancy and incorporating the changes into their self-concept. While mood changes may occur during this phase, the client's statement more specifically reflects emotional lability.

C. Cognitive restructuring: Cognitive restructuring involves changing thought patterns to modify emotional responses. The client's statement does not necessarily indicate a deliberate process of changing thought patterns but rather describes the emotional swings often associated with pregnancy.

D. Couvade syndrome: Couvade syndrome refers to a phenomenon where a partner experiences symptoms that mimic pregnancy symptoms. It is not applicable in this context as the client is describing her own emotional experiences related to pregnancy.