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
Massaging the uterus helps it contract and prevent excessive bleeding after delivery.Uterine atony is a condition where the uterus does not contract enough to clamp the blood vessels that supply the placenta, leading to postpartum hemorrhage.Uterine massage is one of the interventions to treat uterine atony and restore uterine tone.
Choice A is wrong because having the client void frequently does not directly affect the uterine contraction.However, a full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and cause displacement of the uterus, so it is important to monitor the bladder status and empty it as needed.
Choice C is wrong because having the client in a side-lying position for comfort does not help with uterine contraction.However, this position may be beneficial for other reasons, such as reducing edema and pain in the perineal area.
Choice D is wrong because keeping the patient on strict bed rest for 24 hours to avoid stress on the uterus does not help with uterine contraction.In fact, early ambulation after delivery can help prevent thromboembolic complications and promote recovery.
Normal ranges for postpartum blood loss are less than 500 mL for vaginal delivery and less than 1000 mL for cesarean delivery.Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss greater than or equal to 1000 mL or blood loss accompanied by signs or symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours after birth.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C and explain why.Nipple stimulation can cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of preterm labor, especially in a twin gestation.
The client should avoid nipple stimulation until term or as instructed by the provider.
Choice A is wrong because cocoa butter can help moisturize the skin and prevent itching and dryness.
It does not prevent stretch marks, but it is not harmful.
Choice B is wrong because resting several times a day, lying on the left side, can improve blood flow to the uterus and reduce swelling in the lower extremities.
It is a recommended self-care measure for the third trimester of pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because drinking at least eight glasses of water a day can prevent dehydration, constipation, and urinary tract infections.
It can also help regulate body temperature and amniotic fluid volume.
Normal ranges for twin gestation are similar to singleton gestation, except for fundal height and weight gain.
The fundal height should be measured in centimeters from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus.
It should be approximately equal to the number of weeks of gestation plus or minus 4 cm until 32 weeks, then it may plateau or decrease slightly.
The weight gain should be between 35 and 45 pounds for a normal-weight woman, 25 to 42 pounds for an overweight woman, and 15 to 25 pounds for an obese woman.
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