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Practice Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor, undergoing external fetal monitoring, and receiving IV fluid. The nurse observes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate on the monitor strip. Which of the following is a correct interpretation of this finding?

Answer Choices:

Correct Answer:

Variable decelerations are due to umbilical cord compression

Rationale:

🟢 Variable decelerations are characterized by abrupt decreases in fetal heart rate unrelated to contractions’ timing.

🟢 They are caused by umbilical cord compression, which reduces blood flow and oxygen to the fetus temporarily.

🟢 This differs from early decelerations (fetal head compression) and late decelerations (uteroplacental insufficiency).

🟢 Variable decelerations may require nursing interventions such as repositioning the client.

🟢 Recognizing the cause is essential for appropriate fetal monitoring.

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This question is from RN ATI Maternal Newborn Care~Nurs140 which contains 39 questions.

More Questions from This Exam
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a tracheostomy, and has copious and tenacious secretions. Which of the following is an acceptable method for the nurse to use to thin this client's secretions?

Answer Choices:

A. Provide humidified oxygen.
B. Perform chest physiotherapy prior to suctioning.
C. Prelubricate the suction catheter tip with sterile saline when suctioning the airway.
D. Hyperventilate the client with 100% oxygen before suctioning the airway.
From Exam
RN ATI Maternal Newborn Care~Nurs140

39 Questions

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Question Details
  • Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
  • Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
  • Domain: RN ATI Maternal & Newborn Care
  • Answer Choices: 4
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