A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor. The nurse notes early decelerations of the FHR on the fetal monitor tracing. The nurse should identify that which of the following conditions causes early decelerations in the FHR?
Fetal hypoxemia.
Cord compression.
Uteroplacental insufficiency.
Head compression.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Fetal hypoxemia is associated with late decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing. It occurs when the fetus experiences a decreased supply of oxygen, typically due to placental insufficiency or maternal hypotension.
Choice B rationale:
Cord compression can lead to variable decelerations in the FHR tracing. It occurs when the umbilical cord is compressed, restricting blood flow to the fetus temporarily.
Choice C rationale:
Uteroplacental insufficiency causes late decelerations in the FHR tracing. It refers to an inadequate blood flow between the uterus and placenta, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice D rationale:

Head compression is the correct answer for early decelerations in the FHR tracing. It happens during contractions when the fetal head is compressed by the maternal pelvis, leading to a temporary vagal response that slows the heart rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client is experiencing continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, which are key signs of abruptio placentae. This condition occurs when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born, leading to bleeding and potential fetal distress. The history of cocaine use can be a risk factor for abruptio placentae, as cocaine use may lead to vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the placenta.
Choice B rationale:
Hydatidiform mole is not likely in this case because it presents with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and a "grape-like” mass on ultrasound. The continuous abdominal pain is not typical for a hydatidiform mole.
Choice C rationale:
Preterm labor is not the likely complication in this scenario because the client is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered full term. Preterm labor refers to labor that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation.
Choice D rationale:
Placenta previa is not the likely complication as it presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, and the abdominal pain described in the question suggests a different condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An axillary temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F) is within the normal range for a newborn. Normal axillary temperature for a newborn is typically between 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice. Nasal flaring in a newborn is a concerning sign and may indicate respiratory distress. It suggests that the baby is having difficulty breathing and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation.
Choice C rationale:
A heart rate of 158/min is within the normal range for a newborn. The normal heart rate for a newborn can range from 100 to 160 beats per minute.
Choice D rationale:
Having one void since birth is not a concerning finding for a 10-hour-old newborn. In the early hours of life, the frequency of voids may vary, but the baby should have an increasing number of wet diapers in the following days.
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