ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE: Diagnostic Procedure
STUDENT NAME _____________________________________
AMNIOCENTESI
PROCEDURE NAME ____________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________
Description of Procedure
Insertion of a needle into a client's uterus and amniotic sac to aspirate amniotic fluid.
Indications CONSIDERATIONS
Previous birth with a chromosomal anomaly;
Nursing Interventions (pre, intra, post)
A parent who is a carrier of a chromosomal
anomaly; Family history of neural tube PRE: explain the procedure to the pt. and obtain the
defects; Prenatal diagnosis of a genetic informed consent.
INTRA: obtain a baseline vitals, FHR, assist the pt. in
disorder or congenital anomaly of the fetus; supine position, place a wedge under the pt. right hip,
AFP level for fetal abnormalities; expose only the abdomen, cleanse the pt. abd. with
Assessment of lungs; Fetal hemolytic antiseptic solution for the local anesthetic.
disease POST: monitor FHR, administer Rho(D) immune
globulin to the pt if they are Rh-negative.
Interpretation of Findings
Client Education
AFP: High levels is associate with neural Empty the bladder prior to the procedure. Understand
tube defects (anencephaly, spina bifida, or there will be a feeling of pressure w the needle
omphacele. insertion, do not hold your breath.Report to the
Low levels is associated with chromosomal provider if experiencing fever, chills, leakage of fluid/
disorders (Down syndrome) or gestational bleeding from the insertion site, vaginal bleeding,
decrease fetal movement, or uterine contraction.
trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole).
Fetal lung maturity: Lecithin/ sphingomyelin
ratio 2:1 indicates lung maturity. PG absence
is associated w resp distress.
Potential Complications Nursing Interventions
Amniotic fluid emboli; Maternal or fetal Monitor vital, temperature, respiratory status,
hemorrhage/infection; Fetomaternal FHR, uterine contractions, and vaginal
hemorrhage with Rh isoimmunization; Fetal discharge for amniotic fluid or bleeding.
damage or anomalies involving limbs or Administer medication as prescribed. Offer
death; maternal intestinal or bladder support and reassurance.
damage; Miscarriage or preterm labor;
Premature rupture of membranes; Leakage
of amniotic fluid.
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES TherapeuTic procedure A3
STUDENT NAME _____________________________________
AMNIOCENTESI
PROCEDURE NAME ____________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________
Description of Procedure
Insertion of a needle into a client's uterus and amniotic sac to aspirate amniotic fluid.
Indications CONSIDERATIONS
Previous birth with a chromosomal anomaly;
Nursing Interventions (pre, intra, post)
A parent who is a carrier of a chromosomal
anomaly; Family history of neural tube PRE: explain the procedure to the pt. and obtain the
defects; Prenatal diagnosis of a genetic informed consent.
INTRA: obtain a baseline vitals, FHR, assist the pt. in
disorder or congenital anomaly of the fetus; supine position, place a wedge under the pt. right hip,
AFP level for fetal abnormalities; expose only the abdomen, cleanse the pt. abd. with
Assessment of lungs; Fetal hemolytic antiseptic solution for the local anesthetic.
disease POST: monitor FHR, administer Rho(D) immune
globulin to the pt if they are Rh-negative.
Interpretation of Findings
Client Education
AFP: High levels is associate with neural Empty the bladder prior to the procedure. Understand
tube defects (anencephaly, spina bifida, or there will be a feeling of pressure w the needle
omphacele. insertion, do not hold your breath.Report to the
Low levels is associated with chromosomal provider if experiencing fever, chills, leakage of fluid/
disorders (Down syndrome) or gestational bleeding from the insertion site, vaginal bleeding,
decrease fetal movement, or uterine contraction.
trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole).
Fetal lung maturity: Lecithin/ sphingomyelin
ratio 2:1 indicates lung maturity. PG absence
is associated w resp distress.
Potential Complications Nursing Interventions
Amniotic fluid emboli; Maternal or fetal Monitor vital, temperature, respiratory status,
hemorrhage/infection; Fetomaternal FHR, uterine contractions, and vaginal
hemorrhage with Rh isoimmunization; Fetal discharge for amniotic fluid or bleeding.
damage or anomalies involving limbs or Administer medication as prescribed. Offer
death; maternal intestinal or bladder support and reassurance.
damage; Miscarriage or preterm labor;
Premature rupture of membranes; Leakage
of amniotic fluid.
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES TherapeuTic procedure A3
