Question

A nurse notes fetal heart rate decelerations that appear to start just prior to a uterine contraction with the fetal heart rate returning to normal by the end of the contraction. How does the nurse document this finding?

A. Early deceleration
B. Late deceleration
C. Mild deceleration
D. Variable deceleration

Answer 1

The fetal heart rate decelerations described are documented as early decelerations, which are generally not a sign of fetal distress and result from fetal head compression during uterine contractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would document the finding of fetal heart rate decelerations that start just prior to a uterine contraction and return to normal by the end of the contraction as early decelerations. This type of deceleration is typically associated with fetal head compression and is generally not indicative of fetal distress. Early decelerations are a normal physiological response and usually do not require intervention. In contrast, late decelerations might suggest uteroplacental insufficiency, variable decelerations could indicate cord compression, and the term mild deceleration is not a standard classification of fetal heart rate patterns.