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?

Choice A rationale

Contraction frequency every 3 minutes indicates an appropriate labor pattern with regular contractions and is not an indication to stop oxytocin.

Choice B rationale

Contraction duration of 100 seconds exceeds the normal range (usually less than 90 seconds), risking uterine hyperstimulation and fetal compromise, necessitating oxytocin discontinuation.

Choice C rationale

A fetal heart rate of 118/min falls within the normal range (110–160/min), indicating fetal well-being. Oxytocin does not need to be stopped.

Choice D rationale

Moderate variability in fetal heart rate demonstrates adequate fetal oxygenation and nervous system function, suggesting no oxytocin discontinuation is required.

Choice A rationale

Occipital bruising typically results from birth trauma due to compressive forces during delivery. While notable, it isn’t necessarily pathological in the context of common neonatal findings.

Choice B rationale

Yellowish sclera and blanching skin indicate neonatal jaundice from elevated bilirubin levels. Hyperbilirubinemia arises due to immature hepatic conjugation processes, necessitating close monitoring for kernicterus risk.

Choice C rationale

A transcutaneous bilirubin level of 12.5 mg/dL exceeds normal (<12 mg/dL) for newborns, indicating hyperbilirubinemia. It reflects excessive hemolysis or liver immaturity requiring therapeutic interventions like phototherapy.

Choice D rationale

Phototherapy at 08: targets bilirubin breakdown into water-soluble forms for excretion. Blue light exposure facilitates reduced serum bilirubin levels, mitigating neonatal jaundice complications promptly. .