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.
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)
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. A multipara is a woman who has given birth more than once.
After delivery, the uterus contracts to return to its normal size and position.
However, in multiparas, the uterine muscles may be weaker and less able to contract effectively.
This can lead to a condition called uterine atony, where the uterus does not contract enough to prevent bleeding.
Uterine atony can also cause the uterus to descend into the vagina, which is called a prolapsed uterus.
Therefore, multiparas need frequent uterine fundal assessments to monitor the tone and position of the uterus and prevent complications.
Choice A is wrong because breast care teaching is important for all postpartum women, regardless of parity.
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can occur in any woman who is breastfeeding or not.
It is not more common in multiparas.
Choice C is wrong because a strict toileting schedule is not necessary for multiparas.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, usually from the urethra.
UTIs are not more common in multiparas, unless they have other risk factors such as catheterization, diabetes, or sexual activity.
Choice D is wrong because an “as needed” order for an analgesic may not be adequate for multiparas.
Pain after delivery can vary depending on the type and duration of labor, the size and position of the baby, and the use of anesthesia or episiotomy.
Multiparas may experience more pain due to stretching of the pelvic muscles and ligaments, or due to afterpains, which are contractions of the uterus that occur after delivery.
Therefore, multiparas may need regular doses of analgesics to manage their pain effectively.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Apply petrolatum to the patient’s perineum.This is because petrolatum can help soothe and protect the perineal area, which may be swollen, bruised, or have stitches after a vaginal delivery.Applying petrolatum can also prevent the pad from sticking to the wound and causing more pain.
Choice A is wrong because observing the patient for vaginal discharge of bright red blood is not a specific action for perineal care.Bright red blood may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because assessing the patient’s vaginal tone is not a priority action for perineal care.Vaginal tone may be reduced after childbirth due to stretching of the pelvic floor muscles, but this can improve with time and exercises.
Choice C is wrong because massaging the patient’s perineum is not recommended for perineal care.Massaging the perineum may cause more trauma and discomfort to the area, especially if there are stitches or hemorrhoids.Massaging the fundus (the top of the uterus) may be done to help it contract and prevent bleeding, but this is different from massaging the perineum.
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