A nurse is assessing a client who is in active labor.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Early decelerations in the FHR.
Contractions lasting 80 seconds.
FHR baseline 170/min.
Temperature 37.4° C (99.3° F).
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is C. FHR baseline 170/min. This is because a normal FHR baseline is between 110 and 160 bpm, and anything above or below this range indicates fetal distress and should be reported to the provider. A FHR baseline of 170/min could indicate fetal tachycardia, which could be caused by maternal fever, infection, dehydration, fetal anemia, or fetal hypoxia.
Choice A is wrong because early decelerations in the FHR are normal and benign, and indicate head compression during contractions.
They do not require any intervention or reporting.
Choice B is wrong because contractions lasting 80 seconds are within the normal range for active labor, which is 40 to 90 seconds per contraction.
They do not indicate any complication or abnormality.
Choice D is wrong because a temperature of 37.4° C (99.3° F) is slightly elevated but not considered a fever. A fever is defined as a temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) or higher.
A mild increase in temperature could be due to dehydration, exertion, or environmental factors, and does not necessarily indicate infection or inflammation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
"I try to respond to the baby quickly so she doesn't cry very long." This statement is incorrect because it indicates the parent's sensitivity to the baby's needs and responsiveness to the baby's cues, which are positive signs of appropriate caregiving.
Choice B reason:
"I have several friends who come by to help out with the baby." This statement is incorrect because having a support system in the form of friends who help with the baby is a positive factor that can reduce stress and promote a healthy postpartum period.
Choice C reason:
"I want to meet other parents to see if they are going through the same things." This statement is incorrect because seeking social support and connecting with other parents can be beneficial in reducing feelings of isolation and stress during the postpartum period.
Choice D reason:
"I think the baby should be sleeping through the night by now is the correct statement "I think the baby should be sleeping through the night by now," as a manifestation of increased risk for child abuse. This statement may indicate unrealistic expectations or frustration from the parent regarding the baby's sleep patterns.
It is common for newborns to wake frequently during the night for feeding and care, and their sleep patterns can vary significantly in the early weeks and months of life. Unrealistic expectations or frustration about the baby's sleep habits can contribute to increased stress for the parent, which might increase the risk of child abuse or neglect.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation

Hypertonicity is a sign of increased muscle tone and stiffness, which can indicate that the newborn is experiencing withdrawal from methadone exposure in utero. Methadone is an opioid medication that can cross the placenta and cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the newborn.
Choice A, acrocyanosis, is wrong because it is a normal finding in newborns.
Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. It usually resolves within the first 24 to 48 hours of life.
Choice B, bradycardia, is wrong because it is not a typical sign of withdrawal.
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually less than 100 beats per minute in newborns. It can be caused by hypoxia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or vagal stimulation.
Choice C, bulging fontanels, is wrong because it is a sign of increased intracranial pressure, not withdrawal. Bulging fontanels can be caused by meningitis, hydrocephalus, or hemorrhage.
Normal ranges for newborn vital signs are as follows:
- Heart rate: 120 to 160 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 30 to 60 breaths per minute
- Temperature: 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F)
- Blood pressure: 60 to 80 mm Hg systolic and 40 to 50 mm Hg diastolic
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