The nurse is caring for a client in labor at term. The nurse reviews the external monitor tracing below. The nurse identifies that the deceleration pattern seen indicates which of the following?
Early decelerations.
Late decelerations.
Variable decelerations.
Prolonged decelerations.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Early decelerations are characterized by a gradual decrease and return to baseline of the fetal heart rate that coincides with the peak of a contraction. They are typically benign and related to fetal head compression.
Choice B rationale
Late decelerations are characterized by a gradual decrease and return to baseline of the fetal heart rate that occurs after the peak of a contraction. They are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and require prompt intervention to improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
Variable decelerations are characterized by an abrupt decrease in fetal heart rate that varies in duration, intensity, and timing relative to contractions. They are often caused by umbilical cord compression and may require interventions to relieve the compression.
Choice D rationale
Prolonged decelerations are characterized by a decrease in fetal heart rate that lasts longer than 2 minutes but less than 10 minutes. They indicate a more severe and sustained disruption in fetal oxygenation and require immediate intervention.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist that works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus, thereby reducing uterine contractions. It is commonly used in cases of tachysystole and recurrent late decelerations to decrease uterine activity and improve fetal oxygenation. Terbutaline’s mechanism of action involves stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which leads to an increase in cyclic AMP and subsequent relaxation of uterine smooth muscle.
Choice B rationale
Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and is typically used to induce or augment labor. Administering oxytocin in a situation where there is already tachysystole and recurrent late decelerations would exacerbate the problem by increasing uterine contractions, potentially leading to further fetal distress.
Choice C rationale
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analog used to ripen the cervix and induce labor. Similar to oxytocin, it would not be appropriate in this scenario as it would increase uterine contractions, worsening the tachysystole and late decelerations.
Choice D rationale
Magnesium sulfate is primarily used as a tocolytic to prevent preterm labor and as a neuroprotective agent for the fetus in cases of preeclampsia. While it has some uterine relaxation properties, it is not the first-line treatment for reducing uterine activity in the context of tachysystole and late decelerations.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Uterine contractions that cause variable decelerations are not specific to true labor. Variable decelerations are typically associated with umbilical cord compression and can occur during both true and false labor.
Choice B rationale
Regular uterine contractions that cause cervical change are a definitive sign of true labor. True labor is characterized by contractions that become progressively stronger, more frequent, and more regular, leading to cervical dilation and effacement. This process indicates that the body is preparing for childbirth.
Choice C rationale
The station of the presenting part refers to the position of the fetus in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis. While it is an important aspect of labor progression, it is not a definitive sign of true labor.
Choice D rationale
Rupture of the membranes, or the breaking of the water, can occur before true labor begins. While it often indicates that labor is imminent, it is not a definitive sign of true labor on its own.