A nurse is assisting with the monitoring of a client who is in the first stage of labor, with an external fetal monitor in place and IV fluids infusing. Which of the following factors will cause variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate?

Fetal head compression.

Umbilical cord compression.

Maternal opioid administration.

Uteroplacental insufficiency.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:
Fetal head compression is unlikely to cause variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. During contractions and labor, the fetal head may experience pressure, but this usually leads to early decelerations, not variable decelerations. Early decelerations are considered benign and are caused by the head's pressure stimulating the vagus nerve, resulting in a temporary decrease in heart rate.
Choice B rationale:
Umbilical cord compression is a known cause of variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. When the umbilical cord is compressed, it can temporarily disrupt blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus, leading to decelerations. Variable decelerations often appear as abrupt, sharp drops in the fetal heart rate and are typically characterized by their unpredictable
nature.
Choice C rationale:
Maternal opioid administration is not a direct cause of variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. While opioids can cross the placenta and may affect the fetus, they are more likely to cause other issues, such as respiratory depression in the newborn, rather than variable decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Uteroplacental insufficiency is not the primary factor causing variable decelerations. Uteroplacental insufficiency refers to an inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta, which can lead to late decelerations in the fetal heart rate, not variable decelerations.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The cervix is dilated 3 cm: This indicates the width of the cervical opening, which is 3 cm wide.

It is effaced 30%: This means the cervix has effaced or thinned out by 30%, indicating how much the cervix has shortened and thinned in preparation for labor.

The presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines (indicated by the negative number, -1): This measurement shows the position of the baby's head in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis. In this case, the baby's head is 1 cm above the ischial spines.
Option A ("The cervix is dilated 3 cm, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines."): This option incorrectly interprets the baby's position as being 1 cm below the ischial spines, which is not the case. The negative sign (-1) in the documentation indicates that the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines.

Option B ("The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines."): This option switches the interpretation of dilation and effacement. In the original documentation, the dilation is given as 3 cm, while effacement is 30%. This option incorrectly states that effacement is 3 cm and dilation is 30%. Additionally, it correctly identifies the presenting part's position.

Option C ("The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines."): This option correctly interprets effacement and dilation but incorrectly states that the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines. The original documentation indicates that the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines, as denoted by the negative sign (-1).

A. Fetal head compression. B. Umbilical cord compression. C. Maternal fever. D. Polyhydramnios.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

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A nurse is assisting with the monitoring of a client who is in the first stage of labor, with an external fetal monitor in place and IV fluids infusing. Which of the following factors will cause variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is in labor. The doctor documents the vaginal examination as 3 cm, 30%, and -1. The nurse evaluates this documentation to mean which of the following?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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