Question

A HCP has prescribed transvaginal ultrasonography for a client in the first trimester of pregnancy and the client asks the nurse about the procedure. How should the nurse respond to the client?

1. "The procedure takes about 2 hours."
2. "It will be necessary to drink 1 o 2 quarts of water before the examination."
3. "The probe that will be inserted into the vagina will be covered with a disposable over and coated with a gel."
4. "Gel is spread over the abdomen, and a round disk transducer will be moved over the abdomen to obtain the picture."

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that a covered and lubricated probe is used in transvaginal ultrasonography, providing a clearer image during the first trimester without the need for a full bladder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct response to the client would be: "The probe that will be inserted into the vagina will be covered with a disposable cover and coated with a gel." Transvaginal ultrasonography is a type of pelvic ultrasound used frequently in early pregnancy to assess fetal development and maternal health. Unlike a traditional abdominal ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound does not require a full bladder; hence, the instruction to drink water before the exam is not applicable in this case. The transvaginal approach involves the insertion of a specially designed probe into the vagina after it has been covered with a protective cover and lubricated with gel. This method provides a clearer image during the first trimester because the ultrasound waves travel a shorter distance to the uterus. The procedure is typically quick, usually completed in about 30 to 60 minutes, and it offers detailed insights into the health and development of the fetus.