Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN) Practice Test

An increase in the volume of amniotic fluid is referred to as hydramnios, also known as polyhydramnios. This condition occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus during pregnancy. Hydramnios can be associated with various factors, including maternal diabetes, multiple gestations, fetal anomalies, and certain infections.

Understanding hydramnios is important in maternal nursing as it can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby, such as preterm labor, placental abruption, and difficulty during delivery due to excessive fluid levels. Monitoring amniotic fluid levels through ultrasound can help identify this condition early, allowing for timely interventions and management to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.

The other terms listed, such as ketoacidosis, dystocia, and retinopathy, relate to different medical contexts not associated with amniotic fluid levels. Ketoacidosis is a metabolic condition often related to uncontrolled diabetes, dystocia refers to difficult or abnormal labor, and retinopathy pertains to damage to the retinas, typically associated with diabetes or hypertension. Therefore, they do not align with the definition or implications of increased amniotic fluid volume.