A client arrives at OB triage with complaints of decreased fetal movement for the past 24 hours.
The client states, "I see the high-risk clinic because I have chronic hypertension and gestational diabetes.”. The nurse applies the external fetal monitors and identifies a fetal heart rate baseline of 120 bpm, absent variability, no accelerations, and recurrent late decelerations.
What fetal heart rate category would the nurse communicate to the provider?
Category 1.
Category 2.
Category 3.
Category 4. .
Category 4. .
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Category 1 is a normal fetal heart rate pattern with no signs of fetal distress, which is not applicable in this case.
Choice B rationale
Category 2 represents an intermediate category with some concerns, but recurrent late decelerations and absent variability place this scenario in a higher risk category.
Choice C rationale
Category 3 indicates abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, including absent variability with recurrent late decelerations, which is associated with potential fetal hypoxia or acidemia and requires prompt intervention.
Choice D rationale
There is no Category 4 in fetal heart rate monitoring.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A maternal blood pressure of 128/88 mm Hg is within normal limits for a pregnant woman. Regular monitoring is necessary, but no immediate follow-up is required unless symptoms
of preeclampsia appear.
Choice B rationale
A fetal heart rate baseline of 115 bpm is within the normal range (110-160 bpm). This does not require immediate follow-up and is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being.
Choice C rationale
A maternal heart rate of 128 bpm is elevated (tachycardia) and may indicate distress, infection, dehydration, or other underlying conditions. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and address the cause.
Choice D rationale
A maternal respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and does not require immediate follow-up.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increasing the rate of infusion of IV oxytocin in the presence of abnormal fetal heart rate decelerations is contraindicated. It may exacerbate uterine hyperstimulation, further compromising fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution will not address the issue of uterine hyperstimulation or abnormal fetal heart rate decelerations. The focus should be on managing oxytocin administration.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the infusion of IV oxytocin is appropriate due to uterine tachysystole and associated fetal heart rate decelerations. This helps reduce uterine contractions and allows for fetal recovery, improving oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Slowing the client's rate of breathing is not related to managing uterine contractions or fetal heart rate decelerations. The intervention should directly address the cause of the decelerations, which is oxytocin-induced hyperstimulation. .