What is the cause of early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) of a laboring woman?

Cerebral compression

Cord compression

Uteroplacental insufficiency

Spontaneous rupture of membranes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Intense abdominal pain is the most prevalent clinical manifestation of abruptio placentae, as it indicates the detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall and the bleeding into the uterine muscle. The pain can be localized or diffuse, and it can be constant or intermittent. The pain can also radiate to the back or the shoulder.

Choice B reason: Cramping is not the most prevalent clinical manifestation of abruptio placentae, as it is not specific to the condition. Cramping can occur in normal pregnancy or in other complications such as preterm labor, infection, or cervical insufficiency.

Choice C reason: Uterine activity is not the most prevalent clinical manifestation of abruptio placentae, as it is not specific to the condition. Uterine activity can occur in normal pregnancy or in other complications such as preterm labor, infection, or placenta previa.

Choice D reason: Bleeding is not the most prevalent clinical manifestation of abruptio placentae, as it may or may not be present. Bleeding can be concealed or revealed, depending on the location and extent of the placental separation. Concealed bleeding occurs when the blood is trapped behind the placenta and does not exit the vagina. Revealed bleeding occurs when the blood passes through the cervix and exits the vagina.

A. ask the woman to reschedule the appointment for the examination. B. ask the woman to describe the symptoms that indicate to her that she has a vaginal infection. C. reassure the woman that using vaginal cream is not a problem for the examination. D. inform the woman that vaginal creams may interfere with the Papanicolaou (Pap) test for which she is scheduled.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Asking the woman to reschedule the appointment for the examination is not the best response, as it may delay the detection and treatment of any potential problems. The nurse should inform the woman about the possible effect of the vaginal cream on the Pap test and offer her the option to reschedule or proceed with the examination.

Choice B reason: Asking the woman to describe the symptoms that indicate to her that she has a vaginal infection is a good way to assess the woman's condition and provide education, but it is not the initial response. The nurse should first inform the woman about the possible effect of the vaginal cream on the Pap test and then ask her about her symptoms.

Choice C reason: Reassuring the woman that using vaginal cream is not a problem for the examination is not true, as vaginal creams can alter the pH of the vaginal environment and affect the accuracy of the Pap test. The nurse should inform the woman about the possible effect of the vaginal cream on the Pap test and explain the importance of avoiding vaginal creams, douches, or intercourse for 48 hours before the test.

Choice D reason: Informing the woman that vaginal creams may interfere with the Pap test for which she is scheduled is the best response, as it educates the woman about the purpose and procedure of the Pap test and allows her to make an informed decision about whether to reschedule or proceed with the examination. The nurse should also explain the risks and benefits of both options and respect the woman's choice.

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 is the cause of early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) of a laboring woman?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The most prevalent clinical manifestation of abruptio placentae (as opposed to placenta previa) is:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A woman arrives at the clinic for her annual examination. She tells the nurse that she thinks she has a vaginal infection and has been using an over-the-counter cream for the past 2 days to treat it. The nurse's initial response should be to:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse should include which information when teaching a 15-year old about genital tract infection prevention? Select all that apply

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

Which major neonatal complication is carefully monitored after the birth of the infant of a diabetic mother?

The nurse teaches a pregnant woman about the presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy. The woman demonstrates understanding of the nurse's instructions if she states that a positive sign of pregnancy is:

A pregnant woman presents to the emergency department complaining of persistent nausea and vomiting. She is diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum. The nurse should include which information when teaching about diet for hyperemesis? (Select all that apply)

What should a nurse know about the contraction stress test (CST) when providing care for the antepartum woman?

A pregnant woman comes to the prenatal clinic for an initial visit. In reviewing her childbearing history, the client indicated that she has delivered premature twins, one full-term baby, and has had no abortions. Which GTPAL should the nurse document in this client's record?

A nurse counseling a client with endometriosis understands which statements regarding the management of endometriosis are accurate? (Select all that apply)