Nonreassuring patterns of the fetal heart rate monitor that reflect impaired placental exchange or uteroplacental insufficiency
Late decelerations
Fetal heart rate decelerations that are abrupt, vary in duration, intensity, and timing relative to uterine contractions
Variable decelerations
Decelerations that last for more than 2 minutes, but less than 10 minutes, and may be caused by uterine tachysystole, maternal hypotension, or cord prolapse
Prolonged decelerations
Fluctuations fetal heart rate baseline
Variablity
Fetal heart rate is 110-160 beats per minute
Normal fetal heart rate
A laboring client's fetal heart rate is consistently above 160 beats per minute. After ruling out the client's hydration status, what is the next appropriate intervention to address the fetal tachycardia?
Take the client's vital signs to rule out a fever
The nurse is monitoring a client in labor. The nurse suspects umbilical cord compression if which is noted on the external fetal heart rate monitor tracing during a contraction?
Variable deceleration
A nurse is caring for a client in labor and monitoring the fetal heart rate patterns. The nurse notes the presence of episodic accelerations on the monitor. What action is most appropriate?
Document the findings and continue with the plan of care
Greater than undetected but not more than 5 beats per minute
Minimal variability
Fetal heart rate is less than 110 beats per minute for longer than 10 minutes
Fetal bradycardia
A nurse is reviewing a fetal heart rate monitor strip with a nursing student. The nurse knows the student understands early decelerations when the student says what?
The tracing of the fetal heart rate shows a uniform shape and mirror image of uterine contraction
A nurse is monitoring a client labor. The nurse suspects fetal head compression if which is noted on the fetal heart rate monitor during a contraction?
Early deceleration
A laboring client's fetal heart rate is 155 beats per minute with moderate variability, but the nurse notices occasional early decelerations. What is the likely cause of these decelerations?
Fetal head compression
Undetected variability
Absent variability
Fetal heart rate is more than 160 beats per minute for 10 minutes or longer
Fetal tachycardia
A laboring client's fetal heart rate tracing shows recurrent late decelerations. What nursing interventions should you implement to improve fetal oxygenation?
Reposition the client, administer oxygen, fluid bolus, discontinue uterotonic medications and administer tocolytics if neccessary
A client in active labor has variable decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. What is the likely cause?
Umbilical cord compression
A client receiving oxytocin for labor augmentation develops a fetal heart rate pattern with prolonged decelerations. What is the priority nursing action?
Stop oxytocin infusion immediately
Fetal heart rate fluctuations are greater than 25 beats per minute
Marked variability
Brief, temporary increases in fetal heart rate of at least 15 beats per minute more than baseline and lasting at least 15 seconds
Accelerations
A client exhibits persistent late decelerations despite appropriate interventions. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Contact the provider and prepare for immediate delivery
A client in active labor has variable decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. What is the nurse's first priority for intervention?
Reposition the client
A laboring client's fetal heart rate tracing shows a prolonged deceleration lasting over 4 minutes. After assessing the situation, what is your evaluation of the risk to the fetus?
Severe fetal hypoxia could develop
Fetal heart rate fluctuations are 6 to 25 beats per minute
Moderate variability
A client in labor has a fetal heart rate of 140 beats per minute, with moderate variability and periodic accelerations. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
Continue to monitor the client