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 C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. Place the client in a lateral position.
A. Elevating the client's legs is not the priority in this situation. Placing the client in a lateral position is more appropriate to improve blood flow and prevent supine hypotension.
B. Notifying the provider is an important action but not the immediate priority. Addressing the client's position and blood pressure is crucial before contacting the provider.
C. Placing the client in a lateral position is the priority nursing action.
The low blood pressure may be due to aortocaval compression (supine hypotension) caused by the weight of the uterus on the vena cava. Turning the client onto her side alleviates this compression and helps improve blood flow.
D. Monitoring vital signs every 5 minutes is important, but the immediate action should be to address the client's position and blood pressure. Continuous monitoring and further interventions can follow.
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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