Health Promotion and Maintenance
34. A nurse evaluates a fetal monitor tracing. The nurse should anticipate that an obstetrician will consider performing an amnioinfusion if the electronic fetal monitor tracing reveals:
Health Promotion and Maintenance
34. A nurse evaluates a fetal monitor tracing. The nurse should anticipate that an obstetrician will consider performing an amnioinfusion if the electronic fetal monitor tracing reveals:
. Baseline heart rate = 130, moderate variability present, occasional accelerations and consistent early decelerations.
. Baseline heart rate = 145, minimal variability present, no accelerations and no decelerations are present.
. Baseline heart rate = 135, moderate variability present, no accelerations and occasional mild variable decelerations.
. Baseline heart rate = 120, moderate variability present, and deep variable decelerations with every contraction.
Test-Taking Tip
Try drawing the pattern out from the description on a piece of paper. Seeing the pattern may help you focus on the physiology of the pattern and the interventions needed. Focus on the lowest heart rate and the word "deep" variable decelerations.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Planning; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Vital Signs Changes/Abnormalities
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because this is a normal baseline heart rate, with a benign pattern of head compressions; no intervention is needed for this pattern. Answer 2 is incorrect because this pattern may be indicative of hypoxia, maternal drug administration, or fetal sleep. An amnioinfusion will not relieve this pattern. Answer 3 is incorrect because this is a normal baseline heart rate, with mild variable decelerations. In the presence of normal baseline variability, an amnioinfusion is not needed to relieve mild variable decelerations. Answer 4 is correct because this pattern has the potential for prolonged decelerations and fetal distress. An amnioinfusion will help cushion the umbilical cord compression and relieve or decrease the severity of the variable decelerations.