What is the most common cause of variable decelerations in fetal heart rate?
Uteroplacental insufficiency
Umbilical cord compression
Maternal hypotension
Fetal head compression
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Umbilical cord compression. Variable decelerations are the most common type of fetal deceleration and they are caused by compression of the umbilical cord. They vary in shape, duration, and intensity and may not have a constant relationship with uterine contractions.
Choice A is wrong because uteroplacental insufficiency is the cause of late decelerations, not variable decelerations. Uteroplacental insufficiency is a decrease in the blood flow to the placenta that reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients transferred to the fetus.
Choice C is wrong because maternal hypotension is one of the possible causes of late decelerations, not variable decelerations. Maternal hypotension can reduce the uteroplacental blood flow and cause fetal hypoxia.
Choice D is wrong because fetal head compression is the cause of early decelerations, not variable decelerations. Early decelerations are benign and uniform in shape and they occur when the fetal head is pressed against the cervix during a uterine contraction.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Apply pressure to presenting part with hand.
This is because cord prolapse is an emergency situation that requires immediate delivery to save the fetus.Applying pressure to the presenting part with hand can help relieve the compression of the cord and maintain fetal oxygenation until delivery.
Choice A is wrong because stopping oxytocin infusion will not prevent cord compression or fetal hypoxia.Oxytocin may be stopped after applying pressure to the presenting part and notifying the physician.
Choice B is wrong because placing the patient in knee-chest position may not be effective in relieving cord compression.
It may also be uncomfortable and difficult for the patient to maintain.A better position would be Trendelenburg or modified Sims.
Choice D is wrong because administering oxygen via non-rebreather mask is not a priority action.Oxygen may be given after applying pressure to the presenting part and notifying the physician, but it will not improve fetal oxygenation if the cord is compressed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. A patient who is 34 weeks pregnant with a breech presentation and ruptured membranes.This is because breech presentation and ruptured membranes are both risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse, which is where the umbilical cord descends through the cervix and is alongside or below the presenting part of the fetus.This can cause fetal hypoxia and distress.
Choice A is wrong because a cephalic presentation and intact membranes are not risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse.
Choice B is wrong because although twins and ruptured membranes are risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse, the risk is lower than in choice D. Choice C is wrong because although a transverse lie is a risk factor for umbilical cord prolapse, the risk is lower than in choice D if the membranes are intact.
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