A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the maternity unit at 38 weeks of gestation and who is experiencing polyhydramnios. The nurse should recognize that this diagnosis means which of the following?

A. There is an elevated level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid: Elevated AFP may indicate neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects but is not the defining feature of polyhydramnios. While such defects can coexist with polyhydramnios, elevated AFP is not diagnostic of it. B. The fetus is likely to have a congenital anomaly, be growth restricted, or demonstrate fetal distress during labor: These are potential complications or associations of polyhydramnios but not the definition itself. The condition refers specifically to excessive amniotic fluid, which may lead to or signal anomalies, not confirm them. C. The client is carrying more than one fetus: Multiple gestation can cause increased amniotic fluid levels, but polyhydramnios can occur in singleton pregnancies as well. Twin pregnancy is a risk factor, not a definition of polyhydramnios. D. An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is present: Polyhydramnios is defined as an amniotic fluid index (AFI) greater than 24 cm or a single deepest pocket over 8 cm. This is the most accurate and direct definition of the condition.