Question

A nurse caring for a woman in labor should understand that absent or minimal variability is classified as either abnormal or indeterminate. Which condition related to decreased variability is considered benign?

1) Periodic fetal sleep state
2) Extreme prematurity
3) Fetal hypoxemia
4) Preexisting neurologic injury

Answer 1

Periodic fetal sleep states are considered a benign condition related to decreased fetal heart rate variability, as opposed to the more concerning conditions like extreme prematurity, fetal hypoxemia, and preexisting neurologic injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

Absent or minimal variability in fetal heart rate can signal several conditions, with some being more concerning than others. In this context, periodic fetal sleep states are considered a benign condition associated with decreased variability. During these sleep cycles, which can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes, the fetus may display reduced heart rate variability without it being indicative of fetal distress. This is unlike the other conditions listed, such as extreme prematurity, fetal hypoxemia, and preexisting neurologic injury, which are typically associated with more serious implications and warrant further evaluation and possibly immediate interventions.