A nurse is interpreting the results of a biophysical profile (BPP) for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation.

The nurse should understand that each of the five variables is assigned a score of how many points?

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 baby’s heart beat is audible by a Doppler stethoscope at 12 weeks of pregnancy.

This is a device that uses sound waves to create an image of the baby’s heart and measure its rate and rhythm.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice B is wrong because the baby’s sex can not be determined by ultrasound at 8 weeks of pregnancy.

The external genitalia are not fully developed until around 14 to 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Even then, the accuracy of ultrasound depends on factors such as the position of the baby, the quality of the equipment, and the skill of the sonographer.

Choice C is wrong because the baby’s lungs are not fully mature by 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The lungs are one of the last organs to develop in the fetus and they continue to grow and mature until near term.

The production of surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs expand and prevent collapse, begins around 24 weeks but is not sufficient until around 34 to 36 weeks.

Choice D is wrong because the baby’s eyes do not open and close by 16 weeks of pregnancy.

The eyelids are fused together until around 26 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, when they start to open and close periodically.

The baby can also respond to light and dark stimuli around this time.