The most common cause of decreased variability in the fetal heart rate (FHR) that lasts 30 minutes or less is:

Choice A reason: Cerebral compression is the cause of early decelerations, as it reflects the fetal head compression during uterine contractions. Early decelerations are decreases in the FHR that begin and end with the onset and end of a contraction, respectively. They are symmetrical and mirror the shape of the contraction. Early decelerations are normal and benign, as they indicate that the fetus is responding to the increased intracranial pressure and maintaining adequate oxygenation.

Choice B reason: Cord compression is not the cause of early decelerations but of variable decelerations. Variable decelerations are abrupt and irregular decreases in the FHR that vary in onset, duration, and depth. They are usually caused by the umbilical cord being compressed or occluded by the fetal body, the maternal pelvis, or the uterine contractions. Variable decelerations can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, especially if they are severe, frequent, or prolonged.

Choice C reason: Uteroplacental insufficiency is not the cause of early decelerations, but of late decelerations. Late decelerations are decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of a contraction and return to the baseline after the contraction ends. They are symmetrical and have a gradual onset and recovery. They are usually caused by the reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta and the fetus due to maternal or fetal factors. Late decelerations can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, and require immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: Spontaneous rupture of membranes is not the cause of early decelerations, but it can be a risk factor for cord compression and variable decelerations. Spontaneous rupture of membranes is the breaking of the amniotic sac and the release of the amniotic fluid, which usually occurs during labor or shortly before it. Spontaneous rupture of membranes can cause the umbilical cord to prolapse or slip into the vagina, where it can be compressed or kinked by the fetal head or the contractions.

Choice A reason: Women without pain and who do not want to become pregnant need no treatment, as endometriosis is a benign condition that does not affect the general health or well-being of the woman. The nurse should explain to the client that endometriosis is a chronic condition that causes the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, and that it can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. However, if the woman is asymptomatic and has no desire for pregnancy, she can choose to monitor the condition without any intervention.

Choice B reason: Surgical intervention often is needed for severe or acute symptoms, as endometriosis can cause complications such as adhesions, cysts, inflammation, or obstruction of the pelvic organs. The nurse should inform the client that surgery can be performed to remove or destroy the endometrial implants, or to perform a hysterectomy or oophorectomy in severe cases. The nurse should also discuss the benefits and risks of surgery, and the possibility of recurrence or persistence of symptoms.

Choice C reason: Side effects from the steroid danazol include masculinizing traits, as danazol is a synthetic androgen that suppresses the ovarian function and reduces the production of estrogen and progesterone. The nurse should warn the client that danazol can cause adverse effects such as acne, hirsutism, weight gain, voice changes, decreased breast size, and menstrual irregularities. The nurse should also advise the client to use a non-hormonal contraceptive method while taking danazol, as it can harm the fetus if pregnancy occurs.

Choice D reason: Bone loss from hypoestrogenism is not irreversible, as it can be prevented or treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements, bisphosphonates, or hormone replacement therapy. The nurse should educate the client that hypoestrogenism is a condition where the estrogen levels are abnormally low, and that it can occur as a result of some medications or surgical procedures for endometriosis. The nurse should also explain that hypoestrogenism can increase the risk of osteoporosis, which is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle.

Choice E reason: Women with mild pain who may want a future pregnancy may take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as NSAIDs can reduce the inflammation and pain caused by endometriosis. The nurse should recommend the client to take NSAIDs as needed, and to follow the dosage and instructions on the label. The nurse should also inform the client that NSAIDs are not effective in treating the underlying cause of endometriosis, and that they may have side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding, or ulcers.