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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?

A.

Category 1.

B.

Category 2.

C.

Category 3.

D.

Category 4. .

E.

Category 4. .

Answer and Explanation

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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View Related questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Accelerations are increases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) above the baseline, typically in response to fetal movement or uterine contractions. They indicate a healthy, well-oxygenated

fetus and are not consistent with the described pattern of decelerations.

Choice B rationale

Late decelerations are characterized by a gradual decrease in FHR that begins after the contraction has started, with the lowest point of the deceleration (nadir) occurring after the

peak of the contraction. They are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia, which is not described in the scenario.

Choice C rationale

Early decelerations are a gradual decrease in FHR that mirrors the contraction, starting with the contraction and returning to baseline as the contraction ends. The nadir of the

deceleration occurs at the peak of the contraction, which fits the pattern described.

Choice D rationale

Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in FHR that can occur at any time during the contraction cycle, usually due to umbilical cord compression. They are not uniform in

relation to contractions and can vary in duration, depth, and timing, unlike the described pattern.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

A reaction from an epidural can cause side effects such as hypotension and shivering, but it is not related to tachysystole.

Choice B rationale

When the fetus's heart rate drops below baseline, it is termed bradycardia, not tachysystole. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including cord prolapse or placental insufficiency.

Choice C rationale

Tachysystole is defined as more than five contractions in 10 minutes. This condition can lead to reduced blood flow to the fetus, resulting in fetal distress.

Choice D rationale

Pitocin is a medication used to induce labor and can cause tachysystole, but the administration of Pitocin itself is not the definition of tachysystole. It's the increased frequency of contractions that defines the condition.

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