Diagnostic Criteria and Investigations

Diagnostic Criteria and Investigations ( 16 Questions)

A nurse is assessing the fetal heart rate and uterine activity of a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously.

Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?



Correct Answer: C

C. Fetal heart rate decelerations.

Fetal heart rate decelerations are temporary drops in the fetal heart rate that can indicate fetal distress or lack of oxygen. There are three types of decelerations: early, late and variable. Early decelerations are benign and caused by compression of the fetus’s head during a uterine contraction. Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency, which is a decrease in blood flow to the placenta. Variable decelerations are the most common type and vary in shape, duration and intensity. They are often caused by cord compression or other factors that affect fetal oxygenation.

A. Fetal heart rate of 140 beats per minute.

Statement is wrong because this is a normal fetal heart rate. The normal range for fetal heart rate is 120-160 beats per minute.

B. Uterine contractions every 10 minutes.

Statement is wrong because this is a normal frequency for uterine contractions during early labor.

The normal range for uterine contractions is 5-10 minutes apart.

D. Uterine contractions lasting 60 seconds.

Statement is wrong because this is a normal duration for uterine contractions during active labor.

The normal range for uterine contractions is 45-90 seconds long.




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