At her first prenatal visit, the patient states, "I'm five weeks' pregnant now and I would like to hear my baby's heartbeat today." How should the nurse respond?
A)Prepare to assist with auscultation of the fetal heartbeat using a fetoscope.
B)Explain to the patient that the fetal heart does not begin to beat until approximately 7 weeks' gestation.
C)Anticipate that the patient will be scheduled for Doppler ultrasound.
D)Explain to the patient that the fetal heartbeat is not yet detectable at 5 weeks' gestation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At 5 weeks' gestation, the fetal heartbeat is not yet detectable by auscultation with a fetoscope or Doppler ultrasound. It usually becomes detectable around 8-12 weeks' gestation. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to explain this to the patient and reassure her that the fetal heartbeat will be checked at a later visit.

At Her First Prenatal Visit, the Patient States, "I'm Five