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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed images of the fetus and placenta. However, it is not typically used as the first-line test for assessing placental perfusion and IUGR. Doppler flow studies are more specific for evaluating blood flow and detecting issues related to placental insufficiency.
Choice B rationale
Doppler flow studies are non-invasive tests that assess blood flow in the umbilical artery and other fetal vessels. These studies are particularly useful in evaluating placental perfusion and identifying intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Abnormal Doppler flow patterns can indicate compromised blood flow to the fetus, which is a concern in cases of minimal fetal growth.
Choice C rationale
Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure that involves extracting a sample of amniotic fluid for genetic testing and assessment of fetal lung maturity. It is not used for evaluating placental perfusion or IUGR7.
Choice D rationale
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is an invasive procedure used for early genetic testing by sampling placental tissue. It is not used for assessing placental perfusion or IUGR7.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging the client to continue pushing is not appropriate at this stage. The client is 9 cm dilated, which indicates that she is in the transition phase of labor, not yet fully dilated and ready to push. Pushing at this stage could cause cervical swelling and delay progress.
Choice B rationale
Preparing the client for delivery is the most appropriate action. The client is in the transition phase of labor, with 9 cm dilation, 100% effacement, and +1 station. This indicates that delivery is imminent, and the nurse should prepare for the birth process.
Choice C rationale
Administering pain relief as prescribed may be considered, but it is not the priority action at this stage. The client is in the transition phase, and administering pain relief could interfere with the natural progression of labor. Non-pharmacological support may be more appropriate.
Choice D rationale
Reassuring the client and providing emotional support is important, but it is not the primary action at this stage. The nurse should focus on preparing for delivery while also providing support and reassurance.