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A nurse caring for a patient in labor is evaluating the fetal heart monitor.Which finding would indicate fetal distress?

The fetal heart rate decreases after the start of a contraction and returns to the baseline 60 seconds after the end of the contraction.

There is a six to ten beat-to-beat variability in the fetal heart rate.

The fetal heart rate accelerates five to seven beats just prior to the beginning of a contraction.

The fetal heart rate decreases at the start of the contraction and returns to baseline by the end of the contraction.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is choice A and it indicates fetal distress because it is a sign of late deceleration. Late decelerations are due to uteroplacental insufficiency as the result of decreased blood flow and oxygen to the fetus during the uterine contractions. This causes hypoxemia and can lead to fetal acidosis and neurological damage.

Choice B is wrong because it indicates a normal variability in the fetal heart rate, which reflects a healthy autonomic nervous system. A normal fetal heart rate is 120-160 beats per minute.

Choice C is wrong because it indicates an early acceleration in the fetal heart rate, which is a benign finding that may occur with fetal movement or stimulation.

Choice D is wrong because it indicates an early deceleration in the fetal heart rate, which is a normal response to fetal head compression during contractions.

It does not indicate fetal distress.

Normal ranges for fetal heart rate patterns are:

• Baseline: 120-160 beats per minute

• Variability: 6-25 beats per minute

• Accelerations: at least 15 beats per minute above baseline for at least 15 seconds

• Decelerations: none or early (mirror contractions)

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. Apply ice to her perineal area.This is because ice can help reduce swelling and pain in the episiotomy wound, which is a cut made in the tissue between the vagina and anus during childbirth.Ice should be applied for the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery.

Choice A is wrong because Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, are not recommended for the first 12 hours after an episiotomy.They can increase blood flow and inflammation in the area, and may interfere with healing.

Choice C is wrong because keeping her hips slightly elevated can cause pressure on the episiotomy wound and increase discomfort.It can also affect blood circulation and drainage in the area.

Choice D is wrong because observing her perineal area for signs of infection is not a nursing action that should be included in her plan of care for the first 12 hours.Infection is rare in episiotomy wounds, and signs of infection usually appear after 24 hours or later.However, the nurse should teach the patient how to keep the area clean and dry, and when to report any signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or foul-smelling discharge.

Normal ranges for episiotomy healing are:

• Stitches dissolve within 2 to 4 weeks

• Pain and swelling subside within a few days to a week

• Wound heals completely within 4 to 6 weeks

A. Ask the patient if she has had any alcoholic beverages within the past 24 hours. B. Find out if the patient has had any bloody vaginal discharge today. C. Tell the patient that the fetal heart rate does not appear to indicate that the baby is in distress. D. Explain to the patient the relationship between a woman's anxiety level and her ability to detect movement.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is because a normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute, and the range of 136 to 143 indicates that the fetus is well-oxygenated and not experiencing hypoxia or acidosis. The nurse should reassure the patient and explain that fetal movement may decrease during labor due to the pressure of the contractions on the uterus and the fetus.

Choice A is wrong because asking the patient about alcohol consumption is irrelevant and insensitive.

Alcohol can affect fetal development and growth, but it does not directly affect fetal movement or heart rate.

Choice B is wrong because bloody vaginal discharge, or bloody show, is a normal sign of cervical dilation and effacement during labor.

It does not indicate fetal distress or placental abruption.

Choice D is wrong because explaining the relationship between anxiety and fetal movement does not address the patient’s concern or provide any factual information.

Anxiety can affect maternal perception of fetal movement, but it does not cause fetal movement to decrease.

The nurse should validate the patient’s feelings and provide factual reassurance.

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A nurse caring for a patient in labor is evaluating the fetal heart monitor.Which finding would indicate fetal distress?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient had an episiotomy during her delivery. Which nursing action should be included in her plan of care for the first 12 hours?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient who is 42 weeks pregnant is admitted to the hospital in active labor.The patient is upset and says to the nurse, "I haven't felt the baby move for about three or four hours." The fetal heart rate is ranging between 136 and 143. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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