During a vaginal delivery, the first thing a nurse must ensure when the head comes out is that the midwife or doctor checks that

Choice A reason:

Uteroplacental insufficiency is a condition where the placenta cannot deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. This can cause fetal hypoxia and distress, which can be detected by late decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. Late decelerations are defined as a decrease in the fetal heart rate that begins after the peak of the contraction and returns to baseline after the contraction ends. This indicates that the fetus is not tolerating the reduced blood flow during the contractions and needs immediate intervention. • Choice B reason:

Umbilical cord compression is a condition where the umbilical cord is squeezed or twisted, reducing the blood flow and oxygen to the fetus. This can cause variable decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. Variable decelerations are defined as a decrease in the fetal heart rate that varies in timing, shape, and duration, and may or may not be associated with contractions. This indicates that the fetus is experiencing intermittent or sustained cord compression and may need repositioning or other interventions. • Choice C reason:

Maternal bradycardia is a condition where the mother's heart rate is slower than normal, usually less than 60 beats per minute. This can cause reduced blood flow and oxygen to the placenta and the fetus, but it does not cause late decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. Maternal bradycardia can be caused by various factors, such as medications, hypothermia, hypothyroidism, or vagal stimulation. It may need treatment depending on the cause and severity. • Choice D reason:

Fetal head compression is a condition where the fetal head is pressed against the cervix or the pelvic floor during labor, stimulating the vagus nerve and slowing down the fetal heart rate. This can cause early decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. Early decelerations are defined as a decrease in the fetal heart rate that begins with the onset of the contraction and returns to baseline with the end of the contraction. This indicates that the fetus is descending in the birth canal and is usually a normal and benign finding.

Choice A reason:

Placing a covering on the scale tray when weighing an infant helps to ensure that conductive heat loss from the infant is minimal. Newborns and infants are especially vulnerable to temperature changes, and maintaining their body temperature is crucial for their well-being. By placing a covering, such as a soft cloth or blanket, on the scale tray, the nurse creates a barrier between the infant's skin and the cold surface of the scale. This reduces the risk of heat loss from direct contact with the scale, helping to keep the baby comfortable and preventing any potential adverse effects from exposure to low temperatures during the weighing process.

Choice B reason:

Choice B, compensating for the negative weight balance to ensure the correct weight, is not the primary reason for using a covering on the scale tray. The negative weight balance, if any, would be minimal and not significant enough to affect the accuracy of the infant's weight measurement. The main concern when using a scale for weighing infants is to ensure their comfort and safety during the process.

Choice C reason:

Choice C, avoiding causing multiple startle (Moro) reflexes when weighing, is not the main reason for using a covering on the scale tray. The Moro reflex is a normal startle response in infants and is not typically affected by whether or not a covering is placed on the scale tray.

The nurse can support the infant appropriately during weighing to minimize any startle reflexes, regardless of whether a covering is used.

Choice D reason:

Choice D, avoiding contaminating the nurse's hands with blood or other body substances, is not directly related to using a covering on the scale tray. The primary purpose of using a covering is to minimize heat loss, as explained in Choice A. However, it is standard practice for healthcare professionals to wear gloves when handling blood or body substances to prevent any potential transmission of infections, ensuring both the nurse's and the infant's safety.