The condition characterized by an abnormally large volume of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac is called?

Appeared in: JSSH Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

Polyhydramnios is the correct medical term for an excessive or abnormally large volume of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac.
The term is derived from 'poly' (meaning many or much) and 'hydramnios' (referring to the amniotic fluid).
Diagnosis is confirmed via ultrasound by measuring the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI), with a value of 24 cm or more indicating polyhydramnios.
Alternatively, a measurement of the single deepest vertical pocket (SDP) of fluid of 8 cm or more is also diagnostic.
This condition is often associated with maternal diabetes or fetal anomalies that affect swallowing, such as GI tract obstructions.

Option A: Oligohydramnios refers to an abnormally low or decreased volume of amniotic fluid, which is the opposite of the condition described in the question.
Option B: Metrohydramnios is not a recognized medical term in obstetrics. The prefix 'metro-' refers to the uterus, not the volume of amniotic fluid.
Option D: Menohydramnios is not a standard medical term. The prefix 'meno-' relates to menstruation and is irrelevant to amniotic fluid volume.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Amniotic Fluid Volume Abnormalities as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must monitor pregnant patients with polyhydramnios for signs of maternal respiratory distress, as the overdistended uterus can push against the diaphragm and compromise breathing.
This condition significantly increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) because the overstretched uterine muscles may fail to contract effectively after delivery (uterine atony).
Close monitoring for signs of preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is essential, as the increased uterine pressure can trigger these complications.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'abnormally large volume' and 'amniotic fluid'.
Next, analyze the prefixes of the options. 'Poly-' means 'many' or 'much', while 'oligo-' means 'few' or 'little'.
Connect the prefix 'poly-' with the concept of a 'large volume' to deduce that 'Polyhydramnios' is the most likely correct answer.
Evaluate the other options. 'Oligohydramnios' is the direct opposite. 'Metro-' (uterus) and 'meno-' (menstruation) are unrelated to fluid volume, making 'Metrohydramnios' and 'Menohydramnios' incorrect distractors.
Confirm the choice by recalling the definition of polyhydramnios as an excess of amniotic fluid.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QTmOCOZZZblD1VfJsvXG2_

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 51-70

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

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