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
Clapping hands to assess hearing is not a reliable method and could startle the baby for reasons unrelated to hearing ability.
Choice B rationale
While a newborn might respond to visual stimuli, this is not a definitive method to assess hearing.
Choice C rationale
Routine hearing screenings using objective tests are the best way to determine a newborn's hearing ability, providing accurate and early detection of potential hearing issues.
Choice D rationale
This statement is misleading, as some forms of hearing loss can be inherited. It's important to use accurate methods to assess newborn hearing.
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. .