Final answer:
The nurse prepares the client for an ultrasound to check the fetal position, which is important before performing an amniocentesis at 36 weeks of gestation. An ultrasound also assesses amniotic fluid volume and can indicate the baby's genetic health.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and has a prescription for an amniocentesis. The nurse should prepare the client for an ultrasound to assess amniotic fluid volume, confirm fetal position, determine gestational age, and evaluate placental function. Among these options, the nurse would most commonly use the ultrasound to confirm the fetal position before the procedure. This is crucial as the position of the fetus affects where the needle should be inserted during the amniocentesis to avoid harm to the fetus while still collecting sufficient amniotic fluid for testing.
Amniotic fluid is the nourishing and protective liquid contained by the amnion of a pregnant woman, which plays an essential role in fetal development. The volume of amniotic fluid is greatest at about 34 weeks gestational age, and an ultrasound can help assess whether the volume is adequate for the respective stage of pregnancy.
Furthermore, assessing amniotic fluid via ultrasound can also provide information about potential genetic health conditions of the baby, as this fluid contains fetal cells that can be examined for genetic defects.