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?

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.

The client should not eat a light meal before an abdominal ultrasound because it can interfere with the quality of the images.

The client should fast for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure.

Some additional information about the other choices are:

Choice A is correct.

The client should drink plenty of fluids before an appointment for an abdominal ultrasound because it helps to fill the bladder and push the uterus up for better visualization.

Choice C is correct.

The client should wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or lifted up to expose the abdomen.

Choice D is correct.

The client should arrive at the appointment with a full bladder because it acts as an acoustic window and improves the quality of the ultrasound images.

Normal ranges for fetal growth and development during pregnancy vary depending on the gestational age, but some general parameters are:

Fetal heart rate: 110 to 160 beats per minute

Biparietal diameter: 2.4 to 9.5 cm

Crown-rump length: 0.8 to 8.4 cm

Femur length: 1.0 to 7.8 cm

Abdominal circumference: 9.4 to 35.6 cm