During a CST, the nurse observes variable decelerations of the FHR with or without contractions.

What does this finding indicate?

Cord compression

Fetal hypoxia

Normal placental function

Adequate fetal oxygenation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

This finding indicates that the umbilical cord is being compressed, which can reduce the blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus.

Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) that vary in shape, duration, and degree of fall below the baseline.

They are seen as W- or U-shaped waves on the monitor.

Choice B is wrong because fetal hypoxia is not indicated by variable decelerations, but by late decelerations, which are gradual decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends.

Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen to the fetus.

Choice C is wrong because normal placental function is not indicated by variable decelerations, but by reassuring FHR patterns, such as moderate variability (6 to 25 beats per minute) and accelerations (increases in the FHR above the baseline).

Normal placental function ensures adequate fetal oxygenation and well-being.

Choice D is wrong because adequate fetal oxygenation is not indicated by variable decelerations, but by reassuring FHR patterns, such as moderate variability and accelerations.

Adequate fetal oxygenation means that the fetus is not experiencing hypoxia or distress.

Normal ranges for FHR are 110 to 160 beats per minute at term and 120 to 160 beats per minute before term.

Normal ranges for uterine contractions are 2 to 5 contractions in 10 minutes, lasting less than 90 seconds each.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

. The client’s cervix is dilated.

This indicates that the client may be in preterm labor, which is a contraindication for amniocentesis.

Amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for genetic testing or other purposes.

It is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation.

Choice A is wrong because the client’s bladder should be full for amniocentesis.

This helps to push the uterus upward and away from the bladder, reducing the risk of injury and making it easier to visualize the fetus and the needle.

Choice B is wrong because the client’s uterus should be above the symphysis pubis at 16 weeks of gestation.

This is a normal finding and does not affect the procedure.

Choice D is wrong because the client’s fundal height should measure around 16 cm at 16 weeks of gestation.

A fundal height of 20 cm may indicate a large for gestational age fetus, multiple gestation, or polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), but these are not absolute contraindications for amniocentesis.

However, they may require further evaluation and adjustment of the technique.

A. Nipple stimulation. B. Intravenous oxytocin infusion. C. Administering oral medications. D. Applying warm compresses to the abdomen.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

This method can be used to induce uterine contractions during the test by stimulating the uterus with a hormone that causes contractions.

Oxytocin is also the hormone that naturally triggers labor contractions.

Choice A is wrong because nipple stimulation can also induce contractions, but it is not as reliable or controllable as oxytocin infusion.

Choice C is wrong because oral medications are not used to induce contractions during a CST.

Some medications may interfere with the test results or cause side effects.

Choice D is wrong because applying warm compresses to the abdomen does not induce contractions.

It may help with pain relief or relaxation, but it does not affect the uterus.

Normal ranges for uterine contractions during a CST are three contractions in 10 minutes, each lasting 40 to 60 seconds.

Normal ranges for fetal heart rate during a CST are 110 to 160 beats per minute, with no decelerations after contractions.

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During a CST, the nurse observes variable decelerations of the FHR with or without contractions. What does this finding indicate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an amniocentesis at 16 weeks gestation. Which of the following should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing a client for a Contraction Stress Test (CST). Which method can be used to induce uterine contractions during the test?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is interpreting the results of a biophysical profile (BPP) for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation. The nurse should understand that each of the five variables is assigned a score of how many points?

A nurse is educating a pregnant client about the Non-Stress Test (NST). Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the test?

A nurse is educating a pregnant client about the Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP). What should the nurse include as a reason why AFP results are reported as multiples of the median (MoM)?

A nurse is explaining the purpose of a Doppler ultrasound blood flow analysis to a client who has intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The nurse should inform the client that this test measures which of the following?

A client asks the nurse about the significance of Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP) results. How should the nurse respond?

A nurse is reviewing the results of a Contraction Stress Test (CST) with a pregnant client. What does an equivocal CST indicate?

A nurse is caring for a client who had an amniocentesis at 16 weeks gestation and reports cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours later. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is observing fetal breathing movements on an ultrasound for a client who is undergoing a biophysical profile (BPP). The nurse should document how many points for this variable if the fetus has at least one episode of breathing lasting for 20 seconds within a 30-minute period?

During a CST, the nurse observes variable decelerations of the FHR with or without contractions.

What does this finding indicate?