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?

Choice A rationale:

Visual disturbances should be reported to the provider because the client is experiencing headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness, which can be signs of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs like the liver and kidneys. Visual disturbances may indicate neurological involvement and can pose a risk to both the client and the fetus.

Choice B rationale:

Blood pressure should be reported to the provider due to the client's symptoms and medical history. The client's weight gain, swelling of feet and fingers, and 2+ pitting edema suggest fluid retention, which can be associated with preeclampsia. High blood pressure is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, and the nurse must monitor it closely to assess the severity of the condition and the potential risk to both the client and the fetus.

Choice C rationale:

Respirations do not appear to be a significant concern based on the information provided. While respiratory status is important to monitor during pregnancy, there are no indications in the scenario to suggest respiratory distress or abnormalities that require immediate reporting to the provider.

Choice D rationale:

Deep tendon reflexes are mentioned in the client's medical history but do not show any immediate signs of concern. Absent clonus and 3+ deep tendon reflexes are within the normal range and not typically alarming during pregnancy. However, the nurse should continue to monitor these reflexes during subsequent visits.

Choice E rationale:

Weight gain is mentioned in the medical history but is not currently a critical finding to report. A 6 lb weight gain over 2 weeks may be considered appropriate for a pregnant client at 32 weeks of gestation, but it should be assessed in conjunction with other symptoms for a comprehensive evaluation.

The Apgar s core is a s coring s ys tem doctors and nurs es us e to as s es s newborns after they’re born. The Apgar s coring s ys tem is divided into five categories : Activity, Puls e, Grimace, Appearance, and Res piration. Each category receives a s core of 0 to 2 points 1.

Bas ed on the information you provided, the newborn’s 1-min Apgar s core would be calculated as follows :

• Activity: s ome flexion of extremities = 1 point

• Puls e: heart rate 110/ min = 2 points

• Grimace: grimace in res pons e to s uctioning of the nares = 1 point

• Appearance: body pink in color with blue extremities = 1 point

• Res piration: s low, weak cry = 1 point

Adding up the points for each category, the newborn’s 1-min Apgar s core would be 6.