Interpretation of results
Interpretation of results ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing an oxytocin (pitocin) infusion for induction of labor.
The nurse notices that the FHR shows a pattern of late decelerations, which are decelerations that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends.
What is the most likely cause of these decelerations?
Fetal head compression causes early decelerations, which are decelerations that begin and end with the contraction.
Umbilical cord compression causes variable decelerations, which are abrupt drops in the fetal heart rate that vary in shape and timing.
Uteroplacental insufficiency. Late decelerations are decelerations that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends. They are caused by inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus through the placenta. This can be due to maternal hypotension, uterine hyperstimulation, placental abruption, or other factors.
Maternal hypotension can cause uteroplacental insufficiency, but it is not the only cause. Also, maternal hypotension would affect the fetal heart rate baseline, not just the decelerations.
Uteroplacental insufficiency. Late decelerations are decelerations that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends. They are caused by inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus through the placenta. This can be due to maternal hypotension, uterine hyperstimulation, placental abruption, or other factors.
Choice A is wrong because fetal head compression causes early decelerations, which are decelerations that begin and end with the contraction.
Choice B is wrong because umbilical cord compression causes variable decelerations, which are abrupt drops in the fetal heart rate that vary in shape and timing.
Choice D is wrong because maternal hypotension can cause uteroplacental insufficiency, but it is not the only cause. Also, maternal hypotension would affect the fetal heart rate baseline, not just the decelerations.
Normal ranges for fetal heart rate are 110 to 160 beats per minute for baseline and 15 beats per minute above or below baseline for variability.
