How is fetal well-being during labor assessed?
An FHR greater than 110 beats/min.
Maternal pain control.
The response of the FHR to UCs.
Accelerations in the FHR.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: An FHR greater than 110 beats/min is not a sufficient indicator of fetal well-being during labor. The normal range of FHR is between 110 and 160 beats/min, but it can vary depending on the gestational age, fetal activity, and maternal factors. A high or low FHR may indicate fetal distress or compromise.
Choice B reason: Maternal pain control is not a direct measure of fetal well-being during labor. However, maternal pain can affect the FHR indirectly by causing maternal stress, anxiety, or hyperventilation, which can alter the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Therefore, adequate pain management is important for both maternal and fetal health.
Choice C reason: The response of the FHR to UCs is the most reliable and accurate way of assessing fetal well-being during labor. UCs can cause temporary reductions in the blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus, which can affect the FHR. A normal response of the FHR to UCs is either no change or a slight increase (acceleration), which indicates a well-oxygenated and resilient fetus. An abnormal response of the FHR to UCs is a decrease (deceleration), which indicates a compromised or hypoxic fetus.
Choice D reason: Accelerations in the FHR are not a definitive measure of fetal well-being during labor. Accelerations are transient increases in the FHR above the baseline, usually caused by fetal movement, stimulation, or UCs. Accelerations are generally reassuring and indicate a responsive and well-oxygenated fetus, but they are not always present or consistent. The absence of accelerations does not necessarily mean fetal distress, as some fetuses may have periods of sleep or reduced activity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nonreactive is not the correct result, as it indicates that the FHR does not show adequate accelerations with fetal movement. A nonreactive NST means that the FHR does not increase by at least 15 beats/min for at least 15 seconds in a 20-minute period. A nonreactive NST may suggest fetal hypoxia (low oxygen) or fetal sleep.
Choice B reason: Reactive is the correct result, as it indicates that the FHR shows adequate accelerations with fetal movement. A reactive NST means that the FHR increases by at least 15 beats/min for at least 15 seconds twice or more in a 20-minute period. A reactive NST is reassuring and suggests that the fetus is well-oxygenated and healthy.
Choice C reason: Positive is not the correct result, as it is not used to describe the NST. Positive is a term used for the contraction stress test (CST), which is a different test that measures the FHR in response to uterine contractions. A positive CST means that the FHR shows late decelerations (decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of a contraction and return to the baseline after the contraction ends) with at least 50% of the contractions. A positive CST indicates uteroplacental insufficiency (a condition where the placenta does not deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus) and fetal distress.
Choice D reason: Negative is not the correct result, as it is also not used to describe the NST. Negative is another term used for the CST, which is a different test that measures the FHR in response to uterine contractions. A negative CST means that the FHR does not show any late decelerations during at least three contractions in a 10-minute period. A negative CST is reassuring and suggests that the fetus is well-oxygenated and can tolerate labor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Further testing will not be performed to determine the meaning of this score, as the biophysical profile score is a reliable indicator of fetal well-being. It is a combination of five parameters: fetal breathing movements, fetal movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart rate. Each parameter is scored as 0 (abnormal) or 2 (normal), and the total score ranges from 0 to 10.
Choice B reason: The test results are within normal limits, as a biophysical profile score of 8 or higher indicates a healthy fetus with a low risk of hypoxia or acidosis. It also suggests that the placenta is functioning adequately and the pregnancy can continue safely.
Choice C reason: An obstetric specialist will not evaluate the results of this profile and, within the next week, will inform you of your options regarding delivery, as the biophysical profile score is interpreted by the nurse or the health care provider who performed the test. It is not a diagnostic test that requires a consultation with a specialist.
Choice D reason: Immediate delivery by cesarean birth is not being considered, as the biophysical profile score of 8 does not indicate any fetal distress or complication that would warrant an urgent intervention. Cesarean birth may be indicated for other reasons, such as malpresentation, placenta previa, or failure to progress in labor.
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