Question

A nurse notes variable decelerations on the fetal heart monitor and is explaining them to the laboring woman and her partner. What information about these patterns does the nurse share? (Select all that apply.)

A. Last at least 15 seconds
B. Least common type of deceleration pattern
C. May be a result of cord compression
D. Occur at any time during a contraction
E. Return to baseline within 4 minutes

Answer 1

Variable decelerations in fetal heart rate can indicate cord compression, may last at least 15 seconds, occur at any time during a contraction, and should return to baseline within 2 to 4 minutes. They are not the least common type of decelerations.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse observes variable decelerations on the fetal heart monitor, they may share the following information with the laboring woman and her partner:

• Variable decelerations may be a result of cord compression, which can occur when the umbilical cord becomes compressed, restricting blood flow and oxygen to the fetus.
• These decelerations can last at least 15 seconds and occur at any time during a contraction, not just at the peak like in other types of decelerations.
• After the deceleration, the heart rate should return to baseline usually within 2 minutes, but it may take as long as 4 minutes.
• They are not the least common type of deceleration pattern; early and late decelerations are generally more common.