A pregnant patient is scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound. What should the nurse instruct the patient about this procedure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sound waves reflect best if the uterus can be held stable so it is helpful if the woman has a full bladder at the time of the procedure. To ensure this, ask her to drink a full glass of water every 15 minutes beginning 90 minutes before the procedure and not void until after the procedure. The patient will not have a catheter inserted for this procedure. The patient should not avoid fluids 1 hour prior to the procedure. The bladder should not be emptied until the procedure concludes.

A Pregnant Patient Is Scheduled for an Abdominal Ultrasound