A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an external fetal monitor. The nurse observes late decelerations on the monitor strip and interprets them as indicating which of the following?
Umbilical cord compression
Uteroplacental insufficiency
Fetal head compression
Material bradycardia
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is B. Uteroplacental insufficiency.
A. Umbilical cord compression is more commonly associated with variable decelerations, not late decelerations. Variable decelerations are characterized by abrupt decreases and increases in the fetal heart rate.
B. Late decelerations are indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency.
Uteroplacental insufficiency refers to a decrease in blood flow and oxygen supply from the mother to the fetus. Late decelerations occur after the peak of the contraction and may suggest inadequate oxygenation to the fetus.
C. Fetal head compression is associated with early decelerations, not late decelerations. Early decelerations typically coincide with the contractions and are considered a normal response to head compression during contractions.
D. Maternal bradycardia is not typically associated with late decelerations. Late decelerations are primarily related to issues with oxygenation and blood flow to the fetus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"C"},"F":{"answers":"B"},"G":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Increase the oxytocin infusion to 13 mu/min:
Anticipated: This action is anticipated. Adjusting the oxytocin infusion rate may be appropriate based on the progress of labor and the response to the current infusion rate.
Place client in a side-lying position:
Anticipated: Placing the client in a side-lying position is an anticipated action. This position can enhance fetal oxygenation and blood flow, especially if there are concerns about fetal well-being.
Initiate a bolus of primary IV fluids:
Anticipated: Initiating a bolus of primary IV fluids is an anticipated action. Adequate hydration is important during labor, and a bolus may be initiated if there are signs of dehydration or as part of the overall management plan.
Apply oxygen at 10 L/Min via a venturi mask:
Anticipated: Applying oxygen at 10 L/min via a venturi mask is an anticipated action. Oxygen may be administered to the mother to improve oxygenation and, consequently, fetal oxygenation.
Perform sterile vaginal examination (SVE):
Contraindicated: There is no indication for a sterile vaginal examination (SVE) at this time based on the information provided. Frequent unnecessary SVEs can increase the risk of infection.
Assign a Bishop score:
Nonessential: Assigning a Bishop score is not essential at this point. The client's cervical status was assessed during admission, and the current focus is on monitoring the progress of labor with oxytocin.
Perform an amniotomy:
Anticipated: Depending on the clinical situation, performing an amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes) may be anticipated as part of the labor induction process. However, the decision should be based on the overall assessment and progress of labor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. In rapidly progressing labor, applying gentle perineal pressure helps control the speed of delivery and can prevent or minimize perineal tearing or lacerations. It also helps to manage the delivery of the fetal head, especially in cases where the labor is very rapid which can cause neurologic damage (increased intracranial pressure and dural/subdural tearing).
B. Cutting the umbilical cord is not the priority in this situation. The focus should be on the immediate management of the delivery process and preventing complications related to perineal tearing.
C. Preventing the perineum from tearing: While preventing the perineum from tearing is important, it is not the immediate priority in the context of rapidly progressing labor. The primary focus should be on safely delivering the baby, which involves controlling the delivery of the fetal head to prevent complications.
D. Promoting the delivery of the placenta is a consideration for the third stage of labor, which follows the delivery of the baby. It is not the priority during the active phase of delivery.
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