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Nurse cares for client in labor. Nurse is *most* concerned fetus is experiencing distress if which HR pattern is observed?

A. late decelerations
B. early decelerations
C. irregular HR
D. variable decelerations

User Yuh
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse would be most concerned if the fetal heart rate pattern observed is late decelerations, as this may indicate fetal distress due to decreased oxygen supply.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of a nurse caring for a client in labor, the nurse would be most concerned if the fetal heart rate pattern observed is late decelerations. Late decelerations occur when the fetal heart rate decreases after the peak of a contraction and returns to baseline after the contraction is finished. This may indicate decreased oxygen supply to the fetus and could be a sign of fetal distress.



For example, if a contraction occurs and the fetal heart rate decreases during the contraction and remains low after the contraction is over, it can indicate that the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen during the contractions. This can be concerning because the fetus relies on oxygen-rich blood supply for its well-being.

User MAChitgarha
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