ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update related questions and content

A nurse monitors fetal well-being by means of an external monitor. At the peak of the contractions, the fetal heart rate has repeatedly dropped 30 beats/min below the baseline. Late decelerations are suspected and the nurse notifies the physician. Which is the rationale for this action?

  • A. A nuchal cord (cord around the neck) is associated with variable decelerations, not late decelerations.
  • B. Variable decelerations (not late decelerations) are associated with cord compression.
  • C. Late decelerations are a result of hypoxia. They are not reflective of the strength of maternal contractions.
  • D. Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and are a sign of fetal hypoxia. Repeated late decelerations indicate fetal distress.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, resulting in fetal hypoxia. This is a sign of fetal distress, as indicated by the repeated drops in fetal heart rate during contractions. Late decelerations occur after the peak of the contraction, reflecting the delayed recovery of the fetal heart rate due to inadequate oxygen supply from the placenta. This prompts the nurse to notify the physician for further evaluation and intervention to address the underlying cause of fetal distress. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the characteristics and causes of late decelerations in fetal monitoring.