The nurse explains to a client in labor that the fetal heart rate ...

[Garrulous]

The nurse explains to a client in labor that the fetal heart rate baseline is 150, with accelerations to 165, variable decelerations to 140, and moderate long-term variability. Which statement about the most important part of fetal heart monitoring indicates that the client understands the nurse's teaching?
 
  1. Presence of variability
  2. Depth of decelerations
  3. Fetal heart rate baseline
  4. Absence of variable decelerations

Question 2

The fetal heart rate baseline is 140 beats per minute. When contractions begin, the fetal heart rate drops suddenly to 120 and rapidly returns to 140 before the end of the contraction. Which nursing intervention is best?
 
  1. Determine the color of the leaking amniotic fluid.
  2. Apply oxygen to the client at 2 L per nasal cannula.
  3. Notify the operating room of the need for a cesarean birth.
  4. Assist the client to change from the Fowler position to the left lateral position.

[chem1s3]

Answer to Question 1

1
Explanation:
1. Variability is an indicator of the interplay between the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
2. The depth of decelerations does not indicate central nervous system function.
3. The fetal heart rate baseline does not indicate central nervous system function.
4. Variable decelerations indicate cord compression.

Answer to Question 2

4
Explanation:
1. The fetus is exhibiting variable decelerations; there is no indication that the amniotic fluid is meconium-stained or bloody.
2. Oxygen is an appropriate intervention for late decelerations, but this fetus is exhibiting variable decelerations. A nasal cannula is rarely used in labor and birth; face masks are preferable.
3. There is no indication that a cesarean delivery is needed. The fetus is exhibiting variable decelerations.
4. The fetus is exhibiting variable decelerations, which are caused by cord compression. Repositioning the client might get the fetus off the cord and eliminate the variable decelerations.