A nurse is reviewing the electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) tracing of a client in active labor.
The nurse notes that the baseline FHR is 150 bpm, with moderate variability and no decelerations.
The nurse also observes that the FHR increases by 25 bpm for 15 seconds, four times in a 20-minute period.
What term is used to describe these FHR changes?
Accelerations
Early decelerations
Late decelerations
Variable decelerations
The Correct Answer is A
Accelerations. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) terminology, accelerations are defined as transient increases in the FHR of at least 15 bpm above the baseline for at least 15 seconds. Accelerations are a reassuring sign of fetal well-being and oxygenation.
Early decelerations are decreases in the FHR that coincide with the onset and end of a uterine contraction. They are caused by fetal head compression and are usually benign.
Late decelerations are decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of a uterine contraction and do not return to baseline until after the contraction ends. They are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency and are a sign of fetal hypoxia.
Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the FHR that vary in timing.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Accelerations.According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) terminology, accelerations are defined as transient increases in the FHR of at least 15 bpm above the baseline for at least 15 seconds.Accelerations are a reassuring sign of fetal well-being and oxygenation.
Early decelerations are decreases in the FHR that coincide with the onset and end of a uterine contraction.They are caused by fetal head compression and are usually benign.
Late decelerations are decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of a uterine contraction and do not return to baseline until after the contraction ends.They are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency and are a sign of fetal hypoxia.
Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the FHR that vary in timing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Prepare for an amnioinfusion to dilute the meconium and relieve cord compression.
An amnioinfusion is a procedure in which sterile fluid is infused into the uterus through a catheter to increase the volume of amniotic fluid and reduce the risk of fetal distress caused by meconium aspiration or cord compression.
Variable decelerations are a sign of cord compression and can be alleviated by an amnioinfusion.
Choice A is wrong because repositioning the client may not be enough to improve placental blood flow and prevent fetal hypoxia.
Choice B is wrong because administering oxygen to the client may not be sufficient to increase fetal oxygenation if the cord is compressed.
Choice D is wrong because an emergency cesarean delivery may not be necessary if an amnioinfusion can resolve the variable decelerations and improve fetal well-being.
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