A nurse is explaining the purpose of a Doppler ultrasound blood flow analysis to a client who has intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

The nurse should inform the client that this test measures which of the following?

This is because a nuchal translucency ultrasound measures the amount of fluid behind the baby’s neck in the first trimester of pregnancy, which can indicate the risk of having a chromosomal condition like Down syndrome.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice A is wrong because fetal growth and development are not directly related to the nuchal translucency measurement.

Fetal growth and development are assessed by other parameters such as crown-rump length, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, etc.

Choice B is wrong because blood flow in the umbilical cord is not measured by the nuchal translucency ultrasound.

Blood flow in the umbilical cord is assessed by Doppler ultrasound, which evaluates the resistance and velocity of blood flow in the umbilical artery and vein.

Choice D is wrong because structural abnormalities in the baby’s organs are not detected by the nuchal translucency ultrasound.

Structural abnormalities in the baby’s organs are diagnosed by a detailed anatomy scan, which is usually performed in the second trimester of pregnancy.

The normal range for nuchal translucency is between 1 mm and 3 mm.

A measurement above 3 mm is considered increased and may indicate a higher risk of chromosomal or genetic conditions.

However, a nuchal translucency ultrasound is a screening test and not a diagnostic test, so it does not confirm or rule out any condition.

It only provides a probability based on statistical calculations.

Therefore, further testing may be recommended if the nuchal translucency measurement is increased or if other risk factors are present.

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.