A nurse is caring for a laboring patient with an external fetal monitor. The nurse notices late decelerations on the monitor strip.

What does the nurse interpret this as indicating?

Choice C rationale
The apex of the heart is the most appropriate site to assess an infant’s heart rate. In infants, the apical pulse provides the most accurate assessment of heart rate. The apical pulse is located at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
Choice A rationale
The carotid artery is not typically used to assess an infant’s heart rate. This site is more commonly used in adults and older children.
Choice B rationale
The brachial artery can be used to assess an infant’s heart rate, but it is typically used for blood pressure measurements rather than heart rate assessments.
Choice D rationale
The radial artery is not typically used to assess an infant’s heart rate. This site is more commonly used in adults and older children.

Choice A rationale
While fat-soluble vitamins are essential for overall health, they do not specifically prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that gives them their red color and enables them to carry oxygen in the blood.
Choice B rationale
Limiting intake of high-protein foods is not a recommended method for preventing iron deficiency anemia. In fact, many high-protein foods, such as meat and eggs, are good sources of iron.
Choice C rationale
While fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay, it does not prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is prevented by consuming adequate amounts of iron, either from food sources or from supplements.
Choice D rationale
A diet that consists primarily of milk, particularly cow’s milk, can contribute to iron deficiency anemia. Cow’s milk is low in iron and can also decrease absorption of iron and irritate the lining of the intestine, causing small amounts of bleeding and the gradual loss of iron in the stool (poop)4.