A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor. The nurse notes early decelerations of the FHR on the fetal monitor tracing. The nurse should identify that which of the following conditions causes early decelerations in the FHR?
Fetal hypoxemia.
Cord compression.
Uteroplacental insufficiency.
Head compression.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Fetal hypoxemia is associated with late decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing. It occurs when the fetus experiences a decreased supply of oxygen, typically due to placental insufficiency or maternal hypotension.
Choice B rationale:
Cord compression can lead to variable decelerations in the FHR tracing. It occurs when the umbilical cord is compressed, restricting blood flow to the fetus temporarily.
Choice C rationale:
Uteroplacental insufficiency causes late decelerations in the FHR tracing. It refers to an inadequate blood flow between the uterus and placenta, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice D rationale:

Head compression is the correct answer for early decelerations in the FHR tracing. It happens during contractions when the fetal head is compressed by the maternal pelvis, leading to a temporary vagal response that slows the heart rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased pancreatic activity during pregnancy causing fat intolerance is not related to the cause of indigestion and heartburn. Pancreatic activity can change during pregnancy, but it does not directly impact indigestion and heartburn.
Choice B rationale:
Increased estrogen production causing more hydrochloric acid in the stomach is not the cause of indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. While hormones can influence digestion, the mechanism for indigestion and heartburn lies elsewhere.
Choice C rationale:
Pressure from the growing uterus pushing up on the stomach and intestines is a contributing factor to indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. However, it is not the primary cause. The main cause is related to the relaxation of the cardiac sphincter.
Choice D rationale:
Progesterone causes relaxation of the cardiac sphincter, which is a muscular valve that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When this sphincter relaxes, it can lead to acid reflux and subsequent indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. The nurse should educate the client about this hormonal effect to help manage these symptoms effectively.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The normal WBC count during pregnancy can vary, but a count of 11,000/mm³ is within an acceptable range. During pregnancy, the WBC count can be slightly elevated due to physiological changes in the body to support the growing fetus.
Choice B rationale:
The normal hemoglobin level during pregnancy is generally around 11 to 12.5 g/dL. Therefore, a hemoglobin level of 11.2 g/dL falls within the normal range, and the nurse does not need to report this finding.
Choice C rationale:
The normal hematocrit (Hct) during pregnancy can vary, but a level of 34% is within the acceptable range. Hct levels can be lower during pregnancy due to increased plasma volume, leading to a mild physiological anemia of pregnancy.
Choice D rationale:
The normal platelet count during pregnancy is typically around 150,000 to 400,000/mm³. With a platelet count of 140,000/mm³, this is slightly below the lower end of the normal range. Thrombocytopenia during pregnancy can increase the risk of bleeding, both during childbirth and postpartum, so the nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and management.
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