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 D
Explanation
A. Resting tone of 15 mmHg:A resting tone of 15 mmHg is generally acceptable and indicates normal uterine resting pressure, which should be between 5 and 20 mmHg.
B. Frequency of every two minutes. A frequency of every two minutes can be acceptable during labor, especially if the contractions are not too long or intense. The key consideration is the duration and intensity of the contractions.
C. Intensity of 60 to 90 mmHg: This intensity is typically acceptable for labor induction and signifies effective contractions. There’s no indication to stop oxytocin based solely on this intensity range.
D. Duration of 90 to 120 seconds:A contraction lasting 90 to 120 seconds is concerning and indicates potential uterine hyperstimulation, warranting the discontinuation of oxytocin to protect both the mother and fetus from adverse effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B. An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is present.
A. Polyhydramnios is primarily characterized by an increased volume of amniotic fluid, and it is not directly linked to congenital anomalies, growth restriction, or fetal distress. However, it can be associated with certain conditions that affect fetal swallowing or the production of amniotic fluid.
B. Correct. Polyhydramnios refers to an abnormal increase in the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. This condition can result from various factors, such as fetal anomalies, maternal diabetes, or gastrointestinal malformations in the fetus that affect the swallowing of amniotic fluid.
C. An elevated level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid is associated with neural
tube defects, not polyhydramnios.
D. Carrying more than one fetus (multifetal gestation) can be associated with an increased risk of polyhydramnios due to factors such as increased fetal urine production, but the presence of polyhydramnios does not necessarily indicate a multifetal pregnancy.
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