While caring for a client in labor, a nurse attaches an electronic fetal monitor to the client's abdomen to assess the baby's heart rate. The nurse observes that the baby's heart rate slows down during each contraction and does not return to normal limits until after the contraction is complete. What type of fetal heart rate change does this pattern describe?
- A. Variable decelerations
- B. Late decelerations
- C. Early decelerations
- D. Accelerations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations are characterized by the baby's heart rate declining in utero during contractions. The heart rate drops below baseline and stays low until after the contraction ends. Late decelerations are concerning as they indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, which can compromise fetal oxygenation. This pattern is a non-reassuring sign and requires immediate intervention. Variable decelerations are typically abrupt decreases in heart rate, often associated with cord compression. Early decelerations, on the other hand, mirror the contractions and are considered benign, resulting from fetal head compression. Accelerations are reassuring signs of fetal well-being, indicating a responsive and healthy fetal nervous system.
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The community health nurse has reviewed information about the population of a local community and has determined that there are groups in the population that are at high risk for infection with tuberculosis (TB). The nurse targets which high-risk group for screening?
- A. French Canadians
- B. White, Anglo-Saxon Americans
- C. Older clients in long-term-care facilities
- D. Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 years
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Older clients in long-term-care facilities are at high risk for TB due to age-related immune decline and close living conditions. French Canadians, White Anglo-Saxon Americans, and adolescents are not specifically high-risk groups unless other factors apply.
The nurse monitors a client for brachial plexus compromise after shoulder arthroplasty and is checking the status of the ulnar nerve. Which technique should the nurse use to assess the status of this nerve?
- A. Ask the client to raise the forearm above the head.
- B. Have the client spread all of the fingers wide and resist pressure.
- C. Ask the client to move the thumb toward the palm and then back to the neutral position.
- D. Have the client grasp the nurse's hand, and note the strength of the client's first and second fingers.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: So that the nurse may assess the ulnar nerve status, the client is asked to spread all of the fingers wide and resist pressure. Weakness against pressure may indicate compromise of the ulnar nerve. Raising the forearm above the head assesses the flexion of the biceps and determines the status of the cutaneous nerve. Moving the thumb toward the palm and back describes the assessment of the status of the radial nerve. Having the client grasp the nurse's hand and assessing the strength of the first 2 fingers describes the assessment of the status of the medial nerve.
The OR nursing staff are preparing a client for a surgical procedure. The anesthesiologist has given the client medications, and the client has entered the induction stage of anesthesia. The nursing staff can expect which of the following symptoms and activities from the client during this time?
- A. Irregular breathing patterns
- B. Minimal heartbeat, dilated pupils
- C. Relaxed muscles, regular breathing, constricted pupils
- D. Euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During the induction stage of anesthesia, the client may exhibit symptoms like euphoria, drowsiness, or dizziness. This stage occurs after the administration of medications by the anesthesiologist and ends when the client loses consciousness. Choice A is incorrect as irregular breathing patterns are not typically associated with the induction stage. Choice B is incorrect as minimal heartbeat and dilated pupils are not commonly observed during this stage. Choice C is incorrect as relaxed muscles, regular breathing, and constricted pupils are not indicative of the induction stage of anesthesia.
A client in labor has an electronic fetal monitor attached to the abdomen, and the nurse notes that the baby's heart rate slows down during each contraction, returning to normal limits only after the contraction is complete. Which type of fetal heart rate change does this pattern describe?
- A. Variable decelerations
- B. Late decelerations
- C. Early decelerations
- D. Accelerations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations refer to a pattern where the baby's heart rate decreases during contractions and does not return to normal until after the contraction ends. This is considered a non-reassuring sign as it indicates potential fetal distress. Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and immediate medical attention is required. Variable decelerations (Choice A) are abrupt, unpredictable decreases in the fetal heart rate, usually associated with cord compression. Early decelerations (Choice C) are usually benign and mirror the contraction pattern. Accelerations (Choice D) are reassuring signs of fetal well-being, characterized by an increase in the fetal heart rate.
A nurse is assessing a client's pulse oximetry on the surgical unit. As part of routine interventions, the nurse turns off the exam light over the client's bed. Which of the following best describes the rationale for this intervention?
- A. External light sources may cause falsely high oximetry values
- B. A bright light in the client's face may cause a low pulse oximetry
- C. External light sources may cause falsely low oximetry values
- D. The client needs a dark and quiet room to recover and maintain proper oxygenation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When assessing a client's pulse oximetry values, the nurse should turn off any extra environmental lights that are unnecessary, including exam lights or over-bed lights. External light sources may cause falsely high oximetry values when the extra light interferes with the sensor of the oximeter, leading to inaccurate readings. Choice B is incorrect because a bright light in the client's face would not directly affect the pulse oximetry values. Choice C is incorrect as external light sources typically cause falsely high, not low, oximetry values. Choice D is incorrect as the primary reason for turning off the light is to prevent falsely high readings, not solely for the client's comfort.
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