A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an amniocentesis.

Which of the following should the nurse include in the client’s teaching?

A.Checking the patient’s temperature is not the priority intervention following an amniocentesis. Temperature may be monitored to detect infection.

B.Amniocentesis can irritate the uterus and occasionally precipitate cramping or contractions; nurses should watch for increasing uterine activity or vaginal bleeding and report these findings.

C.RhIg should be given within the recommended window (within 72 hours, ideally sooner), to prevent the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent pregnancies.

D.Immediate fetal monitoring (FHR and maternal vitals) is commonly performed after amniocentesis to detect acute fetal distress or complications; several centers observe FHR for a period after the procedure. This is an important immediate safety action.

“You will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure.” Amniocentesis is a procedure in which your doctor removes a small amount of amniotic fluid from your uterus for testing or treatment.The procedure can cause some cramping, bleeding, or leaking of fluid, so you should rest and avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day.

Having someone drive you home is a safety precaution.

Choice A is wrong because you will need to have anemptybladder for the procedure.This reduces the risk of puncturing the bladder with the needle and makes it easier to see the uterus on ultrasound.

Choice B is wrong because you will need to lie on yoursidefor the procedure.This prevents putting pressure on a major blood vessel called the vena cava, which can reduce blood flow to your baby.

Choice D is wrong because you willnotneed to avoid eating or drinking before the procedure.There is no evidence that fasting reduces the risk of complications from amniocentesis.