A nurse is observing the electronic fetal heart rate monitor tracing for a client who is at 40 weeks of gestation and is in labor. The nurse should suspect a problem with the umbilical cord when she observes which of the following patterns?
Accelerations
Early decelerations
Late decelerations
Variable decelerations
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Variable decelerations.
A. Accelerations in the fetal heart rate are generally considered reassuring. Accelerations are an indication of fetal well-being and are often seen in response to fetal movement.
B. Early decelerations are typically associated with head compression during contractions and are considered a normal response to the pressure on the fetal head.
C. Late decelerations are indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency.
Late decelerations occur after the peak of the contraction and are associated with inadequate oxygenation to the fetus. This pattern raises concerns about the baby's well-being.
D. Variable decelerations are associated with umbilical cord compression.
Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate that vary in duration, depth, and timing. They often coincide with contractions and suggest compression or occlusion of the umbilical cord.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B. Turn the client onto her side.
A. Administering oxygen to the client is a reasonable intervention in the presence of late decelerations, but turning the client onto her side is the priority action to relieve potential compression of the vena cava and improve fetal oxygenation.
B. Turning the client onto her side is the correct first action.
Late decelerations are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. Changing the client's position, especially to the left lateral position, can help alleviate pressure on the vena cava, improving blood flow to the uterus and fetal oxygenation.
C. Increasing the client's IV fluid infusion rate may be considered, but it is not the first action to address late decelerations. Positioning changes should be initiated promptly.
D. Palpating the client's uterus is an assessment that may be done, but it is not the first action when late decelerations are observed. Positioning changes take precedence.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B. Just above the symphysis pubis.
A. Just above the umbilicus: At the end of the first trimester, the uterus is still within the pelvic cavity, and fetal heart tones are typically not detectable above the umbilicus at this stage.
B. Just above the symphysis pubis: This is the correct placement for assessing fetal heart tones during the first trimester. The fetal heart is usually located low in the pelvis during early pregnancy, making it most easily heard just above the pubic bone.
C. The right lower quadrant: Fetal heart tones are typically assessed in the midline of the abdomen, and focusing on the lower quadrants may not be the optimal location, especially in the first trimester.
D. The left lower quadrant: Similar to the right lower quadrant, focusing on the lower quadrants may not be the most appropriate location for assessing fetal heart tones during the first trimester.
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