What action should the nurse take after a biophysical profile shows a score of 8 in a 36-week pregnant client?

A biophysical profile (BPP) assesses fetal well-being through various parameters including fetal movement, fetal tone, fetal breathing movements, amniotic fluid volume, and often includes a nonstress test. A score of 8 indicates that the fetus is likely healthy and is showing good signs of well-being, but it may still warrant further evaluation to ensure everything is progressing optimally.

Conducting a nonstress test following a BPP score of 8 is a prudent action because it provides additional information on fetal heart rate reactivity, which is crucial for monitoring fetal health. The nonstress test assesses how the fetal heart rate responds to movements, further confirming fetal well-being.

While it is possible that the client could be discharged based on the BPP score, vigilance is essential at the 36-week mark, where further monitoring can help catch any potential issues early. Planning for a cesarean section or induction may not be necessary unless there are additional concerns, which is why these options are not ideal in this context. The nonstress test serves as a safe and effective follow-up measure to ensure both the mother and baby are continuing to do well, making it the most appropriate action after obtaining a BPP score of 8.