The nurse is educating a multigravida client diagnosed with polyhydramnios. What complication might this condition be associated with in the fetus?

Polyhydramnios, characterized by an excess accumulation of amniotic fluid, can lead to various fetal complications. Among them, pulmonary hypoplasia is a significant concern. This condition can occur because the excess fluid can be associated with congenital anomalies or affect the development of the fetal lungs. When there is an abundance of amniotic fluid, the fetus may not be able to properly practice breathing movements, which are vital for lung development.

In cases of polyhydramnios, conditions such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia or other anomalies may lead to an underdeveloped lung condition, known as pulmonary hypoplasia. The abnormal lung development can jeopardize the fetus's ability to breathe properly after birth, leading to severe respiratory complications.

While conditions like renal dysfunction, intrauterine growth retardation, and gastrointestinal disorders are worth considering in the context of polyhydramnios, they do not directly relate to the critical concern of pulmonary development as pulmonary hypoplasia does. Thus, the association of polyhydramnios with pulmonary hypoplasia highlights a vital area for monitoring and intervention in prenatal care.