A nurse is caring for a client who is on the electronic fetal monitor and the nurse notices that the client is experiencing tachysystole.
Which of the following describes tachysystole?
A reaction from an epidural.
When the fetus's heart rate drops below baseline.
More than five contractions in 10 minutes.
Initiating the use of Pitocin.
The Correct Answer is C
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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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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Prophylactic treatment for cytomegalovirus during pregnancy isn't generally recommended. CMV detection should lead to close monitoring rather than prophylactic treatment, as
current treatments pose risks without guaranteed efficacy.
Choice B rationale
Avoiding cat litter is crucial during pregnancy to prevent toxoplasmosis infection, which can cause severe fetal harm, including hydrocephalus, mental disabilities, and seizures, by
transferring through contact with cat feces.
Choice C rationale
While avoiding crowded places can reduce general infection risks, it is not specifically associated with preventing TORCH infections. TORCH infections refer to a set of perinatal infections that pose particular risks to fetal health.
Choice D rationale
Rubella immunization should be done before pregnancy, not during, as live vaccines carry risks. A woman should confirm immunity before conception to protect against congenital rubella syndrome.