When assessing a client with an intrauterine fetal demise, which symptoms should the nurse expect to find?

In cases of intrauterine fetal demise, the absence of fetal movement is a primary symptom that nurses and healthcare providers expect to observe. This lack of movement is a significant indicator that the fetus is no longer alive, as fetal movement typically begins around 20 weeks of gestation and is expected to continue until delivery.

Intrauterine fetal demise can lead to a cessation of movements because the fetus is no longer responding to stimuli. Therefore, the nurse will assess the client for any noticeable change or absence in fetal movement, which can indicate distress or a loss of life.

Other symptoms, such as an increased fetal heart rate, frequent contractions, or visible signs of labor, would not be expected in the event of intrauterine fetal demise. An increase in fetal heart rate would indicate normal fetal activity and well-being, while frequent contractions and visible signs of labor are typically associated with a living fetus preparing for delivery. Thus, the presence of these symptoms would not align with the condition of intrauterine fetal demise.