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
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart’s chambers or valves. It’s typically caused by bacteria entering the blood and settling in the heart. It is considered an acquired heart disease because it develops during a person’s lifetime.
Choice B rationale
Kawasaki disease is an illness that causes inflammation in arteries, veins, and capillaries. It’s most common in children younger than 5 years old. While it’s not a heart disease, it can lead to serious heart problems if not treated.
Choice C rationale
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a type of congenital heart defect, meaning it’s present at birth. Therefore, it’s not considered an acquired heart disease.
Choice D rationale
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It can be acquired or inherited.
Choice E rationale
Transposition of the great vessels is a serious but rare heart defect present at birth (congenital), in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed (transposed). Therefore, it’s not considered an acquired heart disease.

Choice A rationale
The nurse should reassure the patient by informing her about the hospital’s capabilities to handle such situations. The neonatal unit in the hospital is equipped to handle emergencies and care for preterm babies. This response is factual and directly addresses the patient’s concern about the baby’s well-being.
Choice B rationale
While it’s true that everyone worries about their baby when they’re in labor, this response doesn’t directly address the patient’s concern about the baby’s health and well-being. It’s more of a general statement and doesn’t provide the reassurance the patient is seeking.
Choice C rationale
This response acknowledges the patient’s feelings, which is an important aspect of patient care. However, it doesn’t provide any information or reassurance about the baby’s health. The patient is specifically asking about the baby’s well-being, so the response should focus on that.
Choice D rationale
This response could be misleading. While it’s true that the chances of survival for preterm babies improve with each passing week, it’s not guaranteed that a baby born at 32 weeks will be fine. It’s important to provide accurate information and not give false reassurances.