Which term is used to describe the insufficient amount of amniotic fluid?

ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (shift-1)

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (shift-1)

Explanation

Oligohydramnios is the correct medical term for a deficiency in the amount of amniotic fluid.
The prefix "oligo-" means scant or few, and "hydramnios" refers to the amniotic fluid.
This condition is diagnosed using ultrasonography, where the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) is measured to be less than 5 cm, or the single deepest pocket (SDP) of fluid is less than 2 cm.

Option A: This term describes the opposite condition. The prefix "poly-" means many or much.
Option B: This term refers to hyperemesis gravidarum, which is severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is unrelated to amniotic fluid volume.
Option C: This term means decreased or low urine output. While fetal kidney problems that cause oliguria can lead to oligohydramnios, the term itself does not describe the volume of amniotic fluid.

Visual 1: Diagram: Comparison of a uterus with normal amniotic fluid, oligohydramnios (reduced fluid), and polyhydramnios (excess fluid) to illustrate the differences in volume.
Visual 2: Infographic: The Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) measurement, showing how an ultrasound transducer is used to measure the fluid in four quadrants of the uterus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical terminology for amniotic fluid volume disorders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Oligohydramnios is a clinically significant finding that requires further investigation, as it can be associated with fetal growth restriction, ruptured membranes, placental insufficiency, or fetal renal anomalies.
Nurses play a key role in monitoring pregnancies for signs that might suggest oligohydramnios, such as a fundal height that is smaller than expected for gestational age or reports of decreased fetal movement.
Management of oligohydramnios depends on the gestational age and fetal well-being, and may include increased maternal hydration, close fetal surveillance, or induction of labor.

How to Approach the Question

This is a recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: "insufficient amount of amniotic fluid."
Break down the options into their root words. 'Oligo-' means scant/few, 'poly-' means many, '-hydramnios' refers to amniotic fluid, '-emesis' is vomiting, and '-uria' is urine.
Match the keyword "insufficient" with the correct prefix. "Insufficient" directly corresponds to "oligo-."
Confirm the suffix relates to the subject. "-hydramnios" correctly refers to amniotic fluid.
Eliminate the other options as they relate to different conditions: Polyhydramnios (excess fluid), Hyperemesis (vomiting), and Oliguria (low urine output).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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