A nurse is caring for a laboring patient with an external fetal monitor. The nurse notices late decelerations on the monitor strip.

What does the nurse interpret this as indicating?

Choice A rationale
A newborn born at 32 weeks of gestation and weighing 1,100 g is considered preterm and is likely to have a thin, fragile appearance rather than a plump face.
Choice B rationale
Dehydration is not a typical finding in a preterm newborn unless there are underlying health issues or complications.
Choice C rationale
Long nails are a common finding in preterm newborns. This is because nail growth begins in the womb and preterm babies have had less time to wear down their nails through movement.
Choice D rationale
A weak grasp reflex is common in preterm newborns. This is due to their immature nervous system.
Choice E rationale
The presence of lanugo, or fine hair, is common in preterm newborns. Lanugo usually begins to disappear around 32 weeks of gestation, so a baby born at this time may still have a significant amount.

Choice A rationale
The nurse should be concerned about a client with an 18kg (4 lb) weight gain in her first trimester. This is because the expected weight gain for a client in the first trimester is usually around 1.8 kg (4 lb)1. A weight gain of 18 kg in the first trimester significantly exceeds this expectation, which could indicate a potential health issue such as gestational diabetes or multiple pregnancies. It’s important for the nurse to report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice B rationale
A client with a 68 kg (15 lb) weight gain in her second trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. Weight gain during pregnancy varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors such as the mother’s body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, the baby’s growth rate, and the mother’s diet and lifestyle. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.
Choice C rationale
A client with a 13 kg (25 lb) weight gain in her third trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. Weight gain during the third trimester can be influenced by factors such as the baby’s growth rate, amniotic fluid volume, and the mother’s increased blood volume. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.
Choice D rationale
A client with a 3.6 kg (8 lb) weight gain in her first trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. This is within the expected weight gain range for the first trimester. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.