When interpreting a fetal monitoring tracing, which of the following findings would require the nurse to intervene?
Presence of late decelerations.
Variability in fetal heart rate of 12 bpm.
Accelerations in fetal heart rate.
Baseline fetal heart rate of 140 bpm.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Late decelerations are a sign of uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia. They occur after the peak of a contraction and indicate that the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen. This requires immediate intervention to improve fetal oxygenation and prevent fetal distress.
Choice B rationale
Variability in fetal heart rate of 12 bpm is considered moderate variability, which is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being. It indicates that the fetus has a healthy autonomic nervous system and is not in distress.
Choice C rationale
Accelerations in fetal heart rate are also a reassuring sign. They indicate that the fetus is well-oxygenated and responding appropriately to stimuli. No intervention is needed for accelerations.
Choice D rationale
A baseline fetal heart rate of 140 bpm is within the normal range (110-160 bpm) and does not indicate any immediate concern. It is a sign of a healthy, well-oxygenated fetus.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The “Passenger” refers to the fetus and its position, size, and presentation. In this case, the fetus has an estimated weight of 9 lbs and is in the left occiput posterior (LOP) position. These factors can complicate labor by making it more difficult for the fetus to navigate through the birth canal, potentially leading to prolonged labor and increased risk of interventions.
Choice B rationale
The “Passage” refers to the birth canal, including the pelvis and soft tissues. While the passage is an important factor in labor, the primary concern in this scenario is the size and position of the fetus, which falls under the “Passenger” category.
Choice C rationale
The “Powers” refer to the strength and frequency of uterine contractions. Although the patient is having contractions every 3 minutes, the main concern here is the fetal size and position, which are more directly related to the "Passenger"4.
Choice D rationale
The “Psyche” refers to the psychological state of the mother, including her stress levels and emotional well-being. While important, the primary concern in this scenario is the physical factors related to the fetus, which are categorized under the "Passenger"4.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Category I tracings are considered normal and are associated with a well-oxygenated, non-acidotic fetus with a normal fetal heart rate baseline, moderate variability, and no late or variable decelerations. However, a baseline heart rate of 175 bpm is considered tachycardia, which does not fit the criteria for Category I.
Choice B rationale
Category II tracings are indeterminate and include any fetal heart rate pattern that does not fit into Category I or III. A baseline heart rate of 175 bpm with moderate variability and no accelerations or decelerations fits into this category. This indicates that the fetus may be experiencing some stress but is not in immediate danger.
Choice C rationale
Category III tracings are abnormal and are associated with an increased risk of fetal acidemia. These tracings include absent baseline variability with recurrent late or variable decelerations, bradycardia, or a sinusoidal pattern. The given tracing does not meet these criteria as it shows moderate variability and no decelerations.
Choice D rationale
There is no Category IV in the classification of fetal heart rate tracings. The standard classification includes only Categories I, II, and III.