What is the cause of early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) of a laboring woman?

Choice A reason: Genetic changes and anomalies are not the most dangerous effect, as they are rare and not directly caused by smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of some birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, but these are not genetic changes and can be corrected by surgery. Smoking can also cause chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs, but these usually result in miscarriage or stillbirth, not live births.

Choice B reason:Maternal smoking is a significant risk factor for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarettes reduce oxygen supply to the fetus, leading to lower birth weights and smaller body lengths.

Choice C reason: Fetal addiction to the substance inhaled is not the most dangerous effect, as it is not permanent and can be treated by medication and supportive care. Smoking can expose the fetus to nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other harmful chemicals, which can cross the placenta and affect the fetal brain and nervous system. Smoking can also cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, such as irritability, tremors, and difficulty feeding.

Choice D reason:Although prenatal exposure to smoking can affect neurodevelopment and is associated with behavioral issues, extensive central nervous system damage is not the most immediate or dangerous effect. The most critical concern remains intrauterine growth restriction.

Choice A reason: Women without pain and who do not want to become pregnant need no treatment, as endometriosis is a benign condition that does not affect the general health or well-being of the woman. The nurse should explain to the client that endometriosis is a chronic condition that causes the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, and that it can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. However, if the woman is asymptomatic and has no desire for pregnancy, she can choose to monitor the condition without any intervention.

Choice B reason: Surgical intervention often is needed for severe or acute symptoms, as endometriosis can cause complications such as adhesions, cysts, inflammation, or obstruction of the pelvic organs. The nurse should inform the client that surgery can be performed to remove or destroy the endometrial implants, or to perform a hysterectomy or oophorectomy in severe cases. The nurse should also discuss the benefits and risks of surgery, and the possibility of recurrence or persistence of symptoms.

Choice C reason: Side effects from the steroid danazol include masculinizing traits, as danazol is a synthetic androgen that suppresses the ovarian function and reduces the production of estrogen and progesterone. The nurse should warn the client that danazol can cause adverse effects such as acne, hirsutism, weight gain, voice changes, decreased breast size, and menstrual irregularities. The nurse should also advise the client to use a non-hormonal contraceptive method while taking danazol, as it can harm the fetus if pregnancy occurs.

Choice D reason: Bone loss from hypoestrogenism is not irreversible, as it can be prevented or treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements, bisphosphonates, or hormone replacement therapy. The nurse should educate the client that hypoestrogenism is a condition where the estrogen levels are abnormally low, and that it can occur as a result of some medications or surgical procedures for endometriosis. The nurse should also explain that hypoestrogenism can increase the risk of osteoporosis, which is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle.

Choice E reason: Women with mild pain who may want a future pregnancy may take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as NSAIDs can reduce the inflammation and pain caused by endometriosis. The nurse should recommend the client to take NSAIDs as needed, and to follow the dosage and instructions on the label. The nurse should also inform the client that NSAIDs are not effective in treating the underlying cause of endometriosis, and that they may have side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding, or ulcers.