During a CST, the nurse observes variable decelerations of the FHR with or without contractions.
What does this finding indicate?
Cord compression
Fetal hypoxia
Normal placental function
Adequate fetal oxygenation
The Correct Answer is A
This finding indicates that the umbilical cord is being compressed, which can reduce the blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus.
Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) that vary in shape, duration, and degree of fall below the baseline.
They are seen as W- or U-shaped waves on the monitor.
Choice B is wrong because fetal hypoxia is not indicated by variable decelerations, but by late decelerations, which are gradual decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends.
Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen to the fetus.
Choice C is wrong because normal placental function is not indicated by variable decelerations, but by reassuring FHR patterns, such as moderate variability (6 to 25 beats per minute) and accelerations (increases in the FHR above the baseline).
Normal placental function ensures adequate fetal oxygenation and well-being.
Choice D is wrong because adequate fetal oxygenation is not indicated by variable decelerations, but by reassuring FHR patterns, such as moderate variability and accelerations.
Adequate fetal oxygenation means that the fetus is not experiencing hypoxia or distress.
Normal ranges for FHR are 110 to 160 beats per minute at term and 120 to 160 beats per minute before term.
Normal ranges for uterine contractions are 2 to 5 contractions in 10 minutes, lasting less than 90 seconds each.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A Doppler ultrasound blood flow analysis measures the velocity of blood flow in the uterine and fetal vessels.
This test can help assess the fetal well-being and oxygenation in cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Choice B is wrong because the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterine cavity is measured by ultrasound, not Doppler.
Choice C is wrong because the pressure of blood flow in the umbilical cord is not directly measured by Doppler, but rather inferred from the resistance index or pulsatility index.
Choice D is wrong because the oxygen saturation level of fetal blood is not measured by Doppler, but rather by fetal scalp sampling or pulse oximetry.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
To measure the fetal heart rate (FHR) in response to fetal movements.
This is because the FHR should increase by at least 15 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds when the fetus moves, which indicates a healthy and reactive fetus.
This is called an acceleration.
Choice B is wrong because the uterine contractions are not related to the fetal movements or the button pressing.
The uterine contractions are measured by a tocodynamometer or an intrauterine pressure catheter.
Choice C is wrong because the fetal oxygenation and neurological function are not directly measured by the button pressing.
The fetal oxygenation can be assessed by the FHR variability and decelerations, while the neurological function can be evaluated by other tests such as biophysical profile or fetal acoustic stimulation.
Choice D is wrong because the fetal well-being and hypoxia or distress are not indicated by the button pressing alone.
The fetal well-being and hypoxia or distress are determined by the FHR patterns, such as baseline, variability, accelerations and decelerations.
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