What could be the primary reason for early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern?

Spontaneous rupture of membranes.

Uteroplacental insufficiency.

Altered fetal cerebral blood flow.

Umbilical cord compression.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) are caused by compression of the fetus’s head during a uterine contraction. This often happens during later stages of labor as the baby is descending through the birth canal. They may also occur during early labor if the baby is premature or in a breech position. This causes the uterus to squeeze the head during contractions.
Choice B rationale
Uteroplacental insufficiency is a condition where the placenta does not provide enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. This condition is typically associated with late decelerations in the FHR, not early decelerations.
Choice C rationale
Altered fetal cerebral blood flow is not typically associated with early decelerations in the FHR34.
Choice D rationale

Umbilical cord compression is typically associated with variable decelerations in the FHR, not early decelerations.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen at 10 L/min via a non-rebreather mask is a common intervention for fetal distress, but it is not the first action a nurse should take when a decrease in fetal heart rate is observed.
Choice B rationale
Applying a fetal scalp electrode can provide a more accurate fetal heart rate reading, but it is an invasive procedure and is not the first action a nurse should take when a decrease in fetal heart rate is observed.
Choice C rationale
Changing the client’s position is the correct action. This is often the first intervention for a decrease in fetal heart rate because it can relieve possible compression of the umbilical cord, which can improve fetal circulation and increase the fetal heart rate.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the rate of the IV infusion can increase maternal blood volume and improve placental blood flow, but it is not the first action a nurse should take when a decrease in fetal heart rate is observed.

A. Observe for crowning. B. Apply fundal pressure. C. Prepare to administer oxytocin. D. Observe for the presence of a nuchal cord.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
When the fetal head is at 3+ station, it means that the baby’s head has moved down the birth canal and is very close to the vaginal opening. At this stage, the nurse should observe for crowning, which is when the widest part of the baby’s head can be seen at the vaginal opening. This is a critical time during labor, and the nurse needs to be prepared for the delivery of the baby.
Choice B rationale
Applying fundal pressure is not recommended as it can cause complications such as uterine rupture, fetal distress, and maternal discomfort. It is also not necessary when the fetal head is at 3+ station as the baby is already moving down the birth canal.
Choice C rationale
Oxytocin is a hormone that can stimulate uterine contractions. However, it is not necessary to prepare to administer oxytocin when the fetal head is at 3+ station. At this stage, the mother’s body is already effectively progressing through labor.
Choice D rationale

Observing for the presence of a nuchal cord, which is when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck, is important throughout labor. However, it is not the primary action the nurse should take when the fetal head is at 3+ station.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

What could be the primary reason for early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a decrease in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is gravida 3, para 2, and is in active labor. The fetal head is at 3+ station after a vaginal examination.Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer 250 mg of an antibiotic intramuscularly to a pregnant client for a sexually transmitted infection. The available medication is 3 g/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose? (This is a medical math querry no options provided) .

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and has severe gestational hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect to implement? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor. Which of the following nursing actions reflects application of the gate control theory of pain?

A nurse is assessing a newborn who has Trisomy 21 (Down’s Syndrome). Which of the following are common characteristics? (Select all that apply.)

Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse plan to implement? Select the 3 actions the nurse should plan to take. Exhibits here Exhibits Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse plan to implement? Select the 3 actions the nurse should plan to take.

What could be the primary reason for early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern?

What action should a nurse take when caring for a client who is 1 hr postpartum and observes a large amount of lochia rubra and several small clots on the client’s perineal pad, with the fundus midline and firm at the umbilicus?

A nurse is admitting a patient who is at 30 weeks of gestation and is in preterm labor.The patient has a new prescription for betamethasone and asks the nurse about the purpose of this medication. Which explanation should the nurse provide?