A client at 19 weeks' gestation not feeling fetal movement is at risk for which condition?

At 19 weeks' gestation, a lack of fetal movement can indicate potential issues with fetal health, which may raise concerns about conditions that could affect the pregnancy. The correct answer related to the risk associated with not feeling fetal movement is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

DIC is a serious condition that can occur in pregnancy, often arising from complications such as placental abruption or severe preeclampsia. In this situation, if the placenta is not functioning properly—or if there is significant fetal distress—healthcare providers may become concerned about the potential development of DIC. The absence of fetal movement can suggest that the fetus is under stress, possibly due to inadequate blood flow or oxygenation, which can also be linked to clotting anomalies like DIC.

In contrast, plus-planned conditions can vary; abruptio placentae often presents with painful bleeding and otherwise observable symptoms; placenta previa typically involves painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester; and threatened abortion usually presents with cramping or spotting. While these conditions could also affect fetal activity, they are less directly linked to an absence of movement at this stage in gestation in comparison to the implications of DIC.