A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is in active labour. The nurse notes variable decelerations of the FHR. The nurse should identify which of the following is a cause of variable decelerations.
Fetal head compression.
Umbilical cord compression.
Maternal fever.
Polyhydramnios.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Choice A, fetal head compression, is not the correct answer in this case. Fetal head compression can cause early decelerations in the FHR, not variable decelerations. Early decelerations are often a result of the fetal head being compressed during contractions and are considered benign and expected during labor.
Choice B rationale:
The correct answer is choice B, which is umbilical cord compression. Variable decelerations of the fetal heart rate (FHR) can occur during labor due to various rationales, and umbilical cord compression is one of the common causes. When the umbilical cord gets compressed, it can briefly reduce or restrict the blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus, leading to temporary decelerations in the FHR.
Choice C rationale:
Choice C, maternal fever, is also not the correct answer for variable decelerations in FHR. Maternal fever can be a sign of infection, and it may lead to other fetal heart rate abnormalities, such as tachycardia (an increased heart rate), but it is not specifically associated with variable decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Choice D, polyhydramnios, is not the cause of variable decelerations in this scenario. Polyhydramnios refers to an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid around the fetus. While it can have implications for pregnancy, it is not directly linked to variable decelerations of the FHR.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are choices A. Blood pressure, B. Cerebral manifestations, and E. Deep tendon reflexes.
Choice A rationale:
Blood pressure is a critical parameter to monitor, especially in the third trimester. Elevated blood pressure can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
Choice B rationale:
Cerebral manifestations, such as headaches or visual disturbances, can also be signs of preeclampsia. These symptoms should be reported to the provider immediately.
Choice C rationale:
The fetal heart rate of 158/min is within the normal range (110-160 beats per minute) and does not need to be reported.
Choice D rationale:
The respiratory rate is not mentioned in the provided notes, and there is no indication that it is abnormal. Therefore, it does not need to be reported.
Choice E rationale:
Deep tendon reflexes that are hyperactive (3+) can be a sign of preeclampsia. This finding should be reported to the provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Assure the client that the score is within the expected range.
Choice A rationale:
Administering oxygen and notifying the provider is not necessary for a biophysical profile (BPP) score of 10. A score of 10 indicates that the fetus is well-oxygenated and there are no signs of distress.
Choice B rationale:
A BPP score of 10 is considered normal and reassuring, indicating that the fetus is well-oxygenated and there are no signs of distress. Therefore, the nurse should assure the client that the score is within the expected range.
Choice C rationale:
Offering the client orange juice and repeating the assessment in 1 hour is not necessary for a BPP score of 10. This action might be considered if the score were lower and there was a need to reassess fetal well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client into a side-lying position is not required for a BPP score of 10. This position is typically recommended to improve uteroplacental blood flow in cases of fetal distress or lower BPP scores.
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