Interpretation of results

A nurse is performing a nonstress test (NST) on a pregnant client at 38 weeks of gestation.

The nurse observes that the fetal heart rate (FHR) increases by 20 beats per minute (bpm) for 20 seconds, twice in a 10-minute period.

How should the nurse interpret this result?

A nurse is reviewing the electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) tracing of a client in active labor.

The nurse notes that the baseline FHR is 150 bpm, with moderate variability and no decelerations.

The nurse also observes that the FHR increases by 25 bpm for 15 seconds, four times in a 20-minute period.

What term is used to describe these FHR changes?

A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing an oxytocin (pitocin) infusion for induction of labor.

The nurse notices that the FHR shows a pattern of late decelerations, which are decelerations that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends.

What is the most likely cause of these decelerations?

A nurse is assessing a client who is in labor and has meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

The nurse observes variable decelerations on the EFM tracing, which are decelerations that have an abrupt onset and vary in shape, duration, and degree of fall below the baseline FHR.

What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for this situation?