A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor, undergoing external fetal monitoring, and receiving IV fluid. The nurse observes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate on the monitor strip. Which of the following is a correct interpretation of this finding?

Variable decelerations are a result of the administration of IV narcotic analgesics.

Variable decelerations are related to fetal head compression.

Variable decelerations are due to umbilical cord compression.

Variable decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A)   Variable decelerations are a result of the administration of IV narcotic analgesics: IV narcotic analgesics can cause changes in the fetal heart rate, but they are more commonly associated with early decelerations, not variable decelerations.

B)   Variable decelerations are related to fetal head compression: Fetal head compression is associated with early decelerations, not variable decelerations.
C)   Variable decelerations are due to umbilical cord compression: This is the correct answer.

Variable decelerations occur due to compression of the umbilical cord during contractions, leading to transient decreases in fetal blood flow and oxygenation.
D) Variable decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency: Uteroplacental insufficiency is associated with late decelerations, not variable decelerations.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A: Assessing the client's temperature is important, but it is not the priority immediately after an amniotomy. Fetal wellbeing takes precedence.

Choice B; After an amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes), the priority nursing action is to assess the fetal heart rate and pattern. The procedure may cause changes in fetal heart rate and indicate fetal distress or cord compression, requiring immediate attention.

Choice C: Recording the color and consistency of fluid is relevant for documentation but does not address the immediate concern of fetal wellbeing.

Choice D: Evaluating the client for chills and uterine tenderness is not the priority after an amniotomy. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is crucial to detect any signs of distress.

A. "A repeat cesarean birth will always be safer for both you and your baby." B. "There are so many variables to consider that you will have to ask your obstetrician about this." C. "It's too soon for you to be worrying about your next pregnancy and birth. Focus on your healthy baby." D. "The type of incision performed with this birth will determine if you can attempt a VBAC in the future."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: It is not accurate to say that a repeat cesarean birth will always be safer. The decision for a repeat cesarean or a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) depends on various factors, including the client's medical history and the type of incision used in the previous cesarean.

Choice B: While there are multiple factors to consider, the nurse can still provide general information about the possibility of attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

Choice C: While focusing on the health of the newborn is important, the client's question about the possibility of a future VBAC can be addressed without dismissing her concerns.

Choice D: The type of incision used in the previous cesarean birth (such as low transverse incision) is a significant factor in determining the eligibility for a VBAC in subsequent pregnancies. Clients with certain types of incisions may have a higher likelihood of success with a VBAC.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor, undergoing external fetal monitoring, and receiving IV fluid. The nurse observes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate on the monitor strip. Which of the following is a correct interpretation of this finding?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo an amniotomy. Which of the following is the priority nursing action immediately following this procedure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who delivered a healthy term newborn via cesarean birth. The client asks the nurse, "Is there a chance that I could deliver my next baby without having a cesarean section?" Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Which of the following assessment findings is the first priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is instructing a client about an amniocentesis, which is scheduled at 15 weeks of gestation. Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 7 weeks of gestation. The client reports urinary frequency and asks if this will continue until delivery. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse admits a woman who is at 38 weeks of gestation and in early labor with ruptured membranes. The nurse determines that the client's oral temperature is 38.9°C (102°F). Besides notifying the provider, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a maternal serum alphafetoprotein test at 15 weeks of gestation. The nurse provides which of the following explanations about this test to the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a cesarean birth due to dysfunctional labor. The client states that she is disappointed that she did not have natural childbirth. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation and who asks about the signs that precede the onset of labor. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a sign that precedes labor?