A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is in active labor. The nurse notes variable decelerations of the FHR. The nurse should identify which of the following as a cause of variable decelerations?

Fetal head compression

Polyhydramnios

Maternal fever

Umbilical cord compression

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:
Fetal head compression is incorrect, as this factor can cause early decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Early decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the FHR that mirror the contractions, which indicate fetal head compression and vagal stimulation. Fetal head compression occurs as the fetus descends into the birth canal and does not pose a threat to the fetal well-being.

Choice B reason:
Polyhydramnios is incorrect, as this factor can cause variable or late decelerations in the fetal heart rate, depending on the underlying cause. Polyhydramnios refers to an excessive amount of amniotic ﬂuid, which can result from fetal anomalies, maternal diabetes, multiple gestation, or other conditions. Polyhydramnios can cause umbilical cord prolapse, uterine overdistension, or placental abruption, leading to reduced blood ﬂow and oxygen delivery to the fetus.

Choice C reason:
Maternal fever is incorrect, as this factor can cause late decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Late decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends, which indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Maternal fever can increase maternal and fetal metabolism and oxygen demand, leading to fetal hypoxia and acidosis.

Choice D reason:
Umbilical cord compression is correct, as this factor can cause variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the FHR that vary in onset, duration, and depth, which indicate umbilical cord compression and reduced blood ﬂow to the fetus. Umbilical cord compression can occur due to cord prolapse, nuchal cord, short cord, or other causes. The nurse should reposition the client, administer oxygen, and prepare for delivery if indicated.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

A urinary output of 2,000 mL/12 hr is normal for a postpartum client, as the body eliminates excess ﬂuid accumulated during pregnancy.

Choice B reason:

A temperature of 100.4 F for two days indicates a possible infection, such as endometritis or mastitis, and requires further evaluation and treatment.

Choice C reason:

Chills shortly following delivery are common and benign and are caused by hormonal changes and ﬂuid shifts.

Choice D reason:

A fundus at the umbilicus level is expected for a postpartum client and indicates that the uterus is involuting properly.

A. Dinoprostone stimulates uterine contractions. B. Dinoprostone promotes softening of the cervix. C. Dinoprostone relaxes uterine contractions. D. Dinoprostone assists with ending the pregnancy.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Dinoprostone stimulates uterine contractions is incorrect, as this is not the primary purpose of the medication. Dinoprostone is a prostaglandin that can induce labor by ripening the cervix and enhancing uterine contractility, but it is not used solely for stimulating contractions.

Choice B reason:
Dinoprostone promotes softening of the cervix is correct, as this is the main purpose of the medication. Dinoprostone is used to prepare the cervix for labor by increasing its softness, dilation, and eﬀacement. This can facilitate the descent of the fetus and shorten the duration of labor.

Choice C reason:
Dinoprostone relaxes uterine contractions is incorrect, as this is the opposite eﬀect of the medication. Dinoprostone can increase uterine tone and frequency, which can help initiate or augment labor. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress.

Choice D reason:
Dinoprostone assists with ending the pregnancy is incorrect, as this is not the intended use of the medication. Dinoprostone can be used to terminate a pregnancy in some cases, such as fetal demise or missed abortion, but it is not routinely used for this purpose. The nurse should explain to the client that dinoprostone is used to induce labor and not to end a pregnancy.

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A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is in active labor. The nurse notes variable decelerations of the FHR. The nurse should identify which of the following as a cause of variable decelerations?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is postpartum. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a postpartum complication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer dinoprostone gel to a client who is pregnant. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of the medication. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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