External Maternal Monitoring Related

Review External Maternal Monitoring related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a laboring person and is monitoring for signs of fetal distress. Which finding is the most concerning in this situation?

  • A. Late decelerations
  • B. Bradycardia
  • C. Tachycardia
  • D. Variable decelerations
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Late decelerations. Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, which can lead to fetal hypoxia and distress. This is the most concerning finding as it indicates a problem with oxygen delivery to the fetus. Bradycardia (B) and Tachycardia (C) can also be concerning, but late decelerations are more specific to fetal distress. Variable decelerations (D) are caused by cord compression and are concerning but not as indicative of fetal distress as late decelerations.