A nurse is caring for a client who has oligohydramnios and is undergoing a biophysical profile (BPP).

The nurse should expect to see which of the following findings on the ultrasound?

An amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 4 cm indicates oligohydramnios, which is a low amount of amniotic fluid.

Oligohydramnios can be caused by various factors, such as uteroplacental insufficiency, rupture of membranes, postterm pregnancy, fetal anomalies, or certain medications.

Oligohydramnios can lead to complications such as fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction, limb contractures, or delayed lung maturation.

Choice A is wrong because an AFI of 8 cm is within the normal range for amniotic fluid volume.

Choice C is wrong because a single vertical pocket of amniotic fluid measuring 3 cm is also within the normal range for amniotic fluid volume.

Choice D is wrong because a single vertical pocket of amniotic fluid measuring 5 cm is also within the normal range for amniotic fluid volume.

Normal ranges for AFI and single vertical pocket are > 5 to < 24 cm and ≥ 2 to < 8 cm, respectively.

This finding indicates that the umbilical cord is being compressed, which can reduce the blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus.

Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) that vary in shape, duration, and degree of fall below the baseline.

They are seen as W- or U-shaped waves on the monitor.

Choice B is wrong because fetal hypoxia is not indicated by variable decelerations, but by late decelerations, which are gradual decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends.

Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen to the fetus.

Choice C is wrong because normal placental function is not indicated by variable decelerations, but by reassuring FHR patterns, such as moderate variability (6 to 25 beats per minute) and accelerations (increases in the FHR above the baseline).

Normal placental function ensures adequate fetal oxygenation and well-being.

Choice D is wrong because adequate fetal oxygenation is not indicated by variable decelerations, but by reassuring FHR patterns, such as moderate variability and accelerations.

Adequate fetal oxygenation means that the fetus is not experiencing hypoxia or distress.

Normal ranges for FHR are 110 to 160 beats per minute at term and 120 to 160 beats per minute before term.

Normal ranges for uterine contractions are 2 to 5 contractions in 10 minutes, lasting less than 90 seconds each.