What diagnostic test should the nurse prepare a multigravida client for if a non-stress test indicates fetal distress at 41 weeks gestation?

In the context of a multigravida client who exhibits signs of fetal distress during a non-stress test at 41 weeks of gestation, the biophysical profile (BPP) is the most appropriate diagnostic test to prepare for. The BPP is tailored to assess fetal well-being through a combination of ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring, evaluating factors such as fetal movement, fetal tone, fetal breathing movements, and amniotic fluid volume. This comprehensive assessment provides critical information about the fetus’s condition and helps determine if immediate interventions are necessary.

In this scenario, the potential fetal distress indicated by the non-stress test warrants further evaluation to ensure the fetus is safe and healthy. The BPP can help identify any risks related to poor placental function or other intrapartum concerns that may require medical intervention, such as an expedited delivery.

Other options, while valuable in specific contexts, are not as directly relevant to the immediate assessment of fetal well-being in response to distress. An ultrasound for fetal anomalies is more appropriate for identifying structural defects, not immediate distress assessment. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening is used for detecting potential genetic abnormalities early in pregnancy rather than addressing acute fetal distress. Lastly, percutaneous umbilical