A nurse is teaching a client who is at 15 weeks of gestation and is to undergo an amniocentesis. The nurse should explain that the purpose of this test is to identify which of the following conditions? (Select all that apply.)

Explanation:

A. "In most cases it only lasts until the 12th week, but it will continue if you have poor bladder tone."

This response is accurate and informative. It explains that urinary frequency is a common symptom during early pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder. It also provides a general timeline by stating that, in most cases, urinary frequency improves by the 12th week as the uterus rises out of the pelvis. Additionally, it mentions that poor bladder tone can contribute to ongoing urinary frequency, acknowledging individual differences.

B. "It occurs during the first trimester and near the end of the pregnancy."

This response is not accurate. While urinary frequency is common during the first trimester due to hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder, it typically improves rather than occurring again near the end of pregnancy. Mentioning both the first trimester and near the end of pregnancy could be confusing and misleading for the client.

C. "There is no way to predict how long it will last in each individual client."

While there can be individual variations in how long urinary frequency lasts during pregnancy, there are general trends and common timelines for this symptom. This response may be seen as somewhat dismissive or uninformative since it does not provide any guidance or context for the client's question.

D. "It's a minor inconvenience, which you should ignore."

This response is not appropriate as it dismisses the client's concerns about urinary frequency. While urinary frequency is a common symptom during pregnancy, it can still be uncomfortable for some individuals, and healthcare providers should acknowledge and address their concerns rather than suggesting they ignore them.

Explanation:

A. Excessive uterine enlargement

This choice is correct because a hydatidiform mole can cause rapid and excessive growth of the uterus due to the abnormal proliferation of placental tissue. This can lead to the uterus being larger than expected for the gestational age.

B. Profuse, clear vaginal discharge

This choice is not typically associated with a hydatidiform mole. While vaginal discharge can occur during pregnancy, a profuse and clear discharge is not specifically characteristic of a hydatidiform mole. Other causes, such as normal vaginal secretions or infections, could lead to such discharge.

C. Rapid decline in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels

This choice is not typical of a hydatidiform mole. In fact, one of the hallmarks of a molar pregnancy is an abnormally high level of hCG. The hCG levels may continue to rise instead of declining rapidly.

D. Irregular fetal heart rate

This choice is not associated with a hydatidiform mole because a molar pregnancy does not involve a viable fetus with a heartbeat. Instead, it is characterized by the abnormal growth of placental tissue, which can cause symptoms related to uterine enlargement and complications such as bleeding or preeclampsia, but not an irregular fetal heart rate.