Oligohydramnios is a condition where the quantum of amniotic fluid nearing term is less than?

Appeared in: ISRO- 2016

Explanation

Oligohydramnios is clinically defined as a condition where the volume of amniotic fluid (liquor amnii) is severely reduced to less than 200 mL at term.
This condition is typically diagnosed using ultrasonography, which provides a quantitative assessment of the fluid.
The most common diagnostic criteria are an Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) of less than 5 cm or a single deepest vertical pocket (SDP) of less than 2 cm.

Option B: This value is not a standard clinical threshold for diagnosing oligohydramnios.
Option C: While a volume less than 500 ml is considered low, the specific threshold for clinically significant oligohydramnios is less than 200 ml. An AFI between 5 and 8 cm is sometimes referred to as 'borderline oligohydramnios'.
Option D: A volume of 800 ml is considered a normal amount of amniotic fluid at term (40 weeks).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition and diagnostic criteria for oligohydramnios as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must closely monitor fetal well-being in cases of oligohydramnios due to the high risk of umbilical cord compression, which can lead to fetal distress.
Continuous electronic fetal monitoring is essential during labor to detect variable or prolonged decelerations, which are signs of cord compression.
What if? If oligohydramnios is diagnosed in the early second trimester (before 20-22 weeks), the prognosis is much poorer due to the significant risk of pulmonary hypoplasia (underdeveloped lungs) and skeletal deformities.

How to Approach the Question

Identify that the question asks for the specific volume that defines oligohydramnios at term. This is a factual recall question.
Recall the normal range of amniotic fluid at term, which is approximately 600-800 ml. This helps eliminate option D.
Differentiate between the various definitions of low amniotic fluid. While less than 500 ml can be considered low, the specific clinical definition for oligohydramnios points to a more severe reduction.
Select the most precise and clinically critical value provided in the options. The value of less than 200 ml is the standard definition for oligohydramnios at term.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QkJnbRB-4N9_z1LpOW5_l0

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 56-70

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 51-72

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 2 p. 11-13

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