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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring fluid intake is important for any newborn, but it is not the priority intervention for a small for gestational age (SGA) newborn. SGA infants are at risk of hypoglycemia due to limited glycogen stores, and monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial in identifying and managing hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring axillary temperature is essential for all newborns to assess their thermoregulation. However, it is not the priority intervention for an SGA newborn. Hypoglycemia is a more immediate concern and must be addressed promptly.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring blood glucose levels is the priority intervention for an SGA newborn. As mentioned earlier, SGA infants are at higher risk of hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately. By monitoring blood glucose levels, the nurse can detect and address hypoglycemia early.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring weight is important for tracking the growth and development of the newborn, but it is not the priority intervention in this scenario. The immediate concern for an SGA newborn is their blood glucose levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The clinical finding of 0 station does not provide information about the fetal head's position in the left occiput posterior position. Station refers to the level of the presenting part in relation to the ischial spines, not the position.
Choice B rationale:
The clinical finding of 0 station does not indicate that the largest fetal diameter has passed through the pelvic outlet. The station only tells us the level of the presenting part and does not provide information about the diameter passing through the pelvic outlet.
Choice C rationale:
The clinical finding of 0 station does not directly involve the palpability of the posterior fontanel. Station is determined based on the level of the presenting part in the birth canal.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct interpretation of the clinical finding. 0 station means that the presenting part (usually the baby's head) is at the level of the ischial spines, which serves as a reference point during labor. As labor progresses and the baby moves further down the birth canal, the station becomes more negative (e.g., -1, -2) until delivery occurs.
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