A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient who is having induction of labor with oxytocin administered through a secondary IV line. Uterine contractions occur every 2
minutes, last 90 seconds, and are strong to palpation. The baseline fetal heart rate is 150/minute, with uniform decelerations beginning at the peak of the contraction and a return to baseline after the contraction is over.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Increase the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin,

Discontinue the infusion of the IV oxytocin.

Decrease the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV selution.

Slow the client's rate of breathing.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Incorrect. Increasing the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin would worsen the uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress that are indicated by the frequent, long, and strong contractions and uniform decelerations.
B.   Correct. Discontinuing the infusion of the IV oxytocin would stop the uterine hyperstimulation and allow the fetus to recover from hypoxia.
C.   Incorrect. Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution would not affect the uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress, as they are caused by the oxytocin, not by the fluid volume.
D.   Incorrect. Slowing the client's rate of breathing would not help with the uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress, as they are not related to maternal hyperventilation or respiratory alkalosis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Administer oxygen using a nonrebreather mask: While oxygen may be necessary if there are signs of fetal distress, the priority action in this situation is to reposition the client and relieve potential cord compression.
B) Elevate the client's legs: Elevating the client's legs is not the most appropriate action in this situation and may not address the cause of the decelerations.
C) Place the client in the lateral position: This is the correct answer. The described pattern of the fetal heart rate (slowdown after the start of a contraction with the lowest rate occurring after the peak of the contraction) suggests late decelerations, which are often caused by uteroplacental
insufficiency or cord compression. Placing the client in the lateral position can help alleviate potential compression of the umbilical cord and improve fetal oxygenation.
D) Increase the rate of maintenance IV infusion: Increasing the IV infusion rate may not be the most appropriate action for late decelerations. Repositioning the client is the priority in this situation.

A. Fetal head compression B. Umbilical cord compression C. Uteroplacental insufficiency D. Maternal bradycardia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Fetal head compression: Fetal head compression would typically result in variable decelerations, not late decelerations.
B) Umbilical cord compression: Umbilical cord compression is associated with variable decelerations, not late decelerations.
C) Uteroplacental insufficiency: Late decelerations occur due to decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus, which can be caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. This condition can lead to fetal hypoxia during contractions.
D) Maternal bradycardia: Maternal bradycardia would not directly cause late decelerations in the fetal heart rate.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an external fetal monitor. The nurse observes late decelerations on the monitor strip and interprets them as indicating which of the following?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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