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 A

Explanation

A contraction stress test (CST) is a test that simulates labor contractions to see how the baby’s heart rate responds to the stress of uterine contractions.

The biggest risk of the test is that it may cause the pregnant person to go into labor before their due date.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice B. Premature rupture of membranes.

This is a condition where the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins.

It can increase the risk of infection and cord prolapse, but it is not a direct complication of CST.

Choice C. Infection.

This is a possible risk of any invasive procedure, but CST is usually done with external fetal monitoring and oxytocin infusion, which do not require breaking the skin or entering the uterus.

Choice D. Bleeding.

This is a potential risk of CST for people who have placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the cervix and can detach during contractions.

However, CST is not recommended for people who have placenta previa or other conditions that increase the risk of uterine rupture or bleeding.

A. 0 points. B. 1 point. C. 2 points. D. 3 points.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

According to the ACOG guidelines on antepartum fetal surveillance, one of the components of the biophysical profile is fetal breathing movements, which are scored as 2 points if there is one or more episodes of rhythmic fetal breathing movements of 30 seconds or more within 30 minutes.

Choice A is wrong because 0 points are given for absent or no breathing episode for ≥30 seconds within a 30 minute observation period.

Choice B is wrong because there is no 1 point score for this variable.

Choice D is wrong because there is no 3 point score for this variable.

The maximum score for each variable is 2 points.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is discussing the risks associated with a Contraction Stress Test (CST) with a pregnant client. Which complication should the nurse mention?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is performing an abdominal ultrasound for a client who is at 28 weeks of gestation. The nurse should instruct the client to do which of the following before the procedure?

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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 reviewing the contraindications for a Contraction Stress Test (CST) with a pregnant client. Which condition would be a contraindication for 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 caring for a client who is scheduled for an amniocentesis. Which of the following should the nurse report to the provider?

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?

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

What does this finding indicate?