After assessing a client at 20 weeks' gestation, what should the nurse do with the results?

Documenting the results as expected is appropriate because it indicates that the assessment findings align with the expected outcomes for a client at 20 weeks' gestation. At this stage in pregnancy, certain physiological changes and fetal developments are anticipated, and if the assessment reveals normal findings, the nurse should record this information in the client's medical record as part of the ongoing care.

Documentation is essential as it ensures continuity of care, allowing other healthcare professionals to have access to the current state of the client’s health and any relevant information needed for future assessments or decisions. Properly documenting normal assessment findings also provides a legal record of care and enhances communication among the healthcare team.

Additional action, such as notifying a physician or referring to a specialist, would typically be warranted only if the assessment results indicated a potential problem or abnormal finding. Conducting further testing would also be dependent on any concerns arising from the assessment. Thus, adequately documenting the results when they are as expected is vital for effective nursing practice and patient management.