A nurse is providing care for a client who is in labor.
The nurse notes variable decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor.
What could be the cause?

Choice A rationale:

While some of the client's findings are consistent with normal labor progression, the decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) are concerning and indicate a potential problem. Normal labor progression would not typically involve FHR decelerations.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring contractions and fetal heart rate: This is crucial to assess the client's labor progress and fetal well-being. The frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions, as well as the baseline FHR, variability, and presence of any decelerations, should be closely monitored. These parameters provide essential information about the adequacy of uterine contractions, fetal oxygenation, and potential need for interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Ensuring the client is comfortable and hydrated: Comfort measures can help the client cope with labor pain and anxiety, which can indirectly improve fetal oxygenation by reducing stress hormones. Hydration is essential for maintaining adequate blood flow to the placenta and fetus, supporting fetal well-being.

Choice D rationale:

While monitoring pain level and fluid intake is important, they are not the most immediate priorities in this situation. The priority is to address the potential fetal distress indicated by the FHR decelerations and ensure adequate uterine contractions and fetal oxygenation.

Additional notes:

The nurse should also notify the healthcare provider of the FHR decelerations and any other concerning findings.

Further interventions, such as changing the client's position, administering oxygen, or discontinuing the oxytocin infusion, may be necessary depending on the assessment findings and provider's orders.

Choice A rationale:

Umbilical cord compression is a serious condition that can deprive the fetus of oxygen and nutrients. It can occur during labor

due to various factors, such as excessive fetal movement, a long umbilical cord, or decreased amniotic fluid.

Key signs of umbilical cord compression include:

Variable decelerations: These are abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) that vary in duration, depth, and timing. They

are often caused by cord compression, as the compression temporarily reduces blood flow to the fetus.

Late decelerations: These are delayed decreases in the FHR that occur after the peak of a uterine contraction. They can also be

a sign of cord compression, as the compression can impair placental blood flow.

Loss of FHR variability: This refers to a decrease in the normal fluctuations of the FHR. It can be a sign of fetal distress,

including cord compression.

Immediate action is crucial when umbilical cord compression is suspected. The nurse should:

Notify the provider immediately.

Change the mother's position: This can help relieve pressure on the cord. Common positions include:

Lateral positioning (lying on the side)

Trendelenburg position (lying on the back with the head tilted down)

Knee-chest position (kneeling with the chest on the bed)

Administer oxygen to the mother: This can increase fetal oxygenation.

Prepare for possible interventions: These may include amnioinfusion (infusing fluid into the amniotic sac to increase fluid

volume), internal fetal monitoring, or cesarean delivery.

Choice B rationale:

Head compression is a common occurrence during labor as the fetal head descends through the birth canal. It usually does not

require intervention unless it causes significant changes in the FHR or other signs of fetal distress.

Choice C rationale:

Maternal opioid administration can affect the FHR, but it is not typically a cause for immediate concern unless there are

significant changes in the FHR or other signs of fetal distress. The nurse should continue to monitor the FHR closely and report

any concerns to the provider.

Choice D rationale:

Lateral decelerations are not a recognized pattern of fetal heart rate decelerations. The correct term for decelerations that

occur after the peak of a contraction is "late decelerations."