A nurse in the labor and delivery unit is caring for a client who is undergoing external fetal monitoring.The nurse observes that the fetal heart rate begins to slow at the start of a contraction and the nadir is at the same time as the peak of the contraction.
The FHR returns to the FHR baseline at the same time that the contraction ends.
The nurse should document this finding as which of the following?

Choice A rationale

Accelerations are increases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) above the baseline, typically in response to fetal movement or uterine contractions. They indicate a healthy, well-oxygenated fetus and are not consistent with the described pattern of decelerations.

Choice B rationale

Late decelerations are characterized by a gradual decrease in FHR that begins after the contraction has started, with the lowest point of the deceleration (nadir) occurring after the peak of the contraction. They are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia, which is not described in the scenario.

Choice C rationale

Early decelerations are a gradual decrease in FHR that mirrors the contraction, starting with the contraction and returning to baseline as the contraction ends. The nadir of the deceleration occurs at the peak of the contraction, which fits the pattern described.

Choice D rationale

Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in FHR that can occur at any time during the contraction cycle, usually due to umbilical cord compression. They are not uniform in relation to contractions and can vary in duration, depth, and timing, unlike the described pattern.