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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
An NST is a test that measures the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement.
It is a non-invasive and simple way to assess fetal well-being.
An NST may be recommended to further evaluate fetal well-being if the CST result is equivocal, meaning that occasional but not persistent late decelerations are present.
Choice B. Amniocentesis is wrong because it is an invasive procedure that involves inserting a needle into the uterus to collect amniotic fluid for genetic testing or fetal lung maturity.
It is not used to evaluate fetal well-being in response to contractions.
Choice C. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is wrong because it is an imaging technique that uses magnetic fields to create detailed pictures of the fetus and the placenta.
It is not used to evaluate fetal well-being in response to contractions.
Choice D. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is wrong because it is an invasive procedure that involves inserting a catheter or a needle into the placenta to collect chorionic villi for genetic testing.
It is not used to evaluate fetal well-being in response to contractions.
Normal ranges for CST are negative (normal) or positive (abnormal).
Equivocal and unsatisfactory are special categories of test outcomes that require further testing.
Normal ranges for NST are reactive (reassuring) ornon-reactive (non-reassuring).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
An equivocal CST indicates late decelerations of the FHR with less than 50% of contractions.
This means that the fetus may have some degree of hypoxia or distress, but not enough to warrant immediate delivery.
An equivocal CST may also result from hyperstimulation of the uterus, which can cause excessive contractions and reduce blood flow to the placenta.
Choice B is wrong because late decelerations of the FHR with at least 50% of contractions is a positive CST, which indicates a high risk of fetal death due to hypoxia and is a contraindication to labor.
Choice C is wrong because no late decelerations of the FHR during contractions is a negative CST, which indicates a good fetal wellbeing and tolerance of labor.
Choice D is wrong because variable decelerations of the FHR with or without contractions are not related to uterine activity and may indicate cord compression or other fetal problems.
Variable decelerations are not used to interpret CST results.
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