A nurse is observing the electronic fetal heart rate monitor tracing for a client who is at 40 weeks of gestation and is in labor. The nurse should suspect a problem with the umbilical cord when she observes which of the following patterns?
Accelerations
Early decelerations
Late decelerations
Variable decelerations
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Variable decelerations.
A. Accelerations in the fetal heart rate are generally considered reassuring. Accelerations are an indication of fetal well-being and are often seen in response to fetal movement.
B. Early decelerations are typically associated with head compression during contractions and are considered a normal response to the pressure on the fetal head.
C. Late decelerations are indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency.
Late decelerations occur after the peak of the contraction and are associated with inadequate oxygenation to the fetus. This pattern raises concerns about the baby's well-being.
D. Variable decelerations are associated with umbilical cord compression.
Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate that vary in duration, depth, and timing. They often coincide with contractions and suggest compression or occlusion of the umbilical cord.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) every hour.
A. Monitoring the fetal heart rate every hour is a crucial aspect of the plan of care during active labor. Continuous fetal monitoring helps assess the well-being of the baby and ensures timely identification of any signs of fetal distress.
B. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not a routine intervention during active labor. The bladder can be monitored using other non-invasive methods, and catheterization is generally reserved for specific indications.
C. Keeping four side rails up while the client is in bed is not recommended. It may limit the client's mobility and is not a standard practice during labor. Ensuring the safety of the client and promoting mobility is important.
D. Checking the cervix prior to analgesic administration may be necessary, but it is not a general action for every client in active labor. The need for cervical checks should be individualized based on the client's progress, preferences, and clinical indications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is d.
A. Informing the client that the anesthetic effect will last for approximately 6 hours is not the nurse's responsibility. The anesthesia provider usually communicates this information to the client.
B. Administering a 500 mL bolus of 5% dextrose in water prior to induction is the correct action.
Although preloading with a 500–1,000 mL bolus of isotonic crystalloid (e.g., Lactated Ringer’s) is recommended to mitigate hypotension, dextrose‑containing solutions (like D5W) are not used for this preload.
C. Having the client stand at the bedside with her arms at her side is not necessary for the administration of epidural analgesia. The client is usually positioned sitting up or lying on her side during the procedure.
D. Before initiating epidural analgesia, you must establish a baseline fetal heart rate and uterine contraction pattern with at least 20–30 minutes of continuous EFM to ensure fetal well‑being and detect any decelerations or atypical patterns.
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