The most common cause of decreased variability in the fetal heart rate (FHR) that lasts 30 minutes or less is:
fetal sleep cycles.
umbilical cord compression.
altered cerebral blood flow.
fetal hypoxemia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Fetal sleep cycles are a normal physiological cause of decreased variability in the FHR, which is the fluctuation of the baseline FHR above and below 2 cycles per minute. Fetal sleep cycles usually last 20 to 40 minutes and do not affect the fetal well-being.
Choice B reason: Umbilical cord compression is an abnormal cause of decreased variability in the FHR, as it reduces the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. It can also cause variable decelerations, which are abrupt decreases in the FHR below the baseline.
Choice C reason: Altered cerebral blood flow is an abnormal cause of decreased variability in the FHR, as it indicates a compromise in the fetal central nervous system. It can also cause late decelerations, which are gradual decreases in the FHR after the peak of a contraction.
Choice D reason: Fetal hypoxemia is an abnormal cause of decreased variability in the FHR, as it reflects a severe lack of oxygen in the fetal blood. It can also cause sinusoidal pattern, which is a smooth, undulating waveform in the FHR.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Abstinence is the avoidance of sexual activity, which reduces the risk of exposure to STIs. It is not a sexual risk behavior.
Choice B reason: Multiple sex partners increases the likelihood of exposure to STIs, especially if the partners are not tested or treated. It is a sexual risk behavior.
Choice C reason: Unprotected anal intercourse exposes the mucous membranes of the rectum and anus to potential pathogens, which can cause STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. It is a sexual risk behavior.
Choice D reason: Oral sex involves contact between the mouth and the genitals or anus, which can transmit STIs such as herpes, HPV, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It is a sexual risk behavior.
Choice E reason: Dry kissing is the contact between the lips without the exchange of saliva, which does not transmit STIs. It is not a sexual risk behavior.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Quickening is the first perception of fetal movement by the pregnant woman, usually felt between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. However, quickening can also be confused with gas or peristalsis, which are normal digestive processes that cause sensations in the abdomen.
Choice B reason: Chadwick sign is a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva due to increased blood flow during pregnancy. It can be observed by the examiner as early as 6 weeks of gestation. However, Chadwick sign can also be caused by pelvic congestion, which is a chronic condition of enlarged and dilated veins in the pelvis².
Choice C reason: Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods, which is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. However, amenorrhea can also be caused by stress, endocrine problems, or other factors that affect the hormonal balance and ovulation.
Choice D reason: Goodell sign is the softening of the cervix due to increased vascularity and edema during pregnancy. It can be palpated by the examiner around 6 to 8 weeks of gestation. Goodell sign is not associated with any other condition besides pregnancy, unlike cervical polyps, which are benign growths of the cervical tissue that can cause bleeding or discharge.
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