A 40-year-old, G7, P4, A2, 36 weeks
Explanation
• Finding the fetal heart tones is the easiest way to check the status of the pregnancy in this situation, and should be done first.
• If no fetal heart tones are noted, a sonogram should be ordered to confirm fetal status.
• Incorrect: There will be no fetal activity if the fetus dies in utero, but palpation is not a diagnostic test.
• Incorrect: An x-ray of the abdomen will not assess whether the fetus is alive or not.