Question

A fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing shows an early deceleration pattern. The nurse is aware that this indicates which interpretation?

a.) the FHR slows early in the contraction, which is a normal finding
b.) the FHR slows early in the contraction, which indicates fetal hypoxia
c.) the FHR slows at a peak of the contraction, which is a normal finding
d.) the FHR sloes at the peak of the contraction, which indicates maternal hypoxia

Answer 1

An early deceleration pattern in FHR tracing is a normal finding that indicates the FHR slows early in the contraction, often due to fetal head compression.

Step-by-step explanation:

An early deceleration pattern in fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing is the one where the FHR slows early in the contraction. The correct interpretation for this pattern would be (a) the FHR slows early in the contraction, which is a normal finding. This type of deceleration is typically associated with fetal head compression and does not indicate fetal distress. In contrast to early deceleration, patterns that could suggest fetal hypoxia or distress include variables such as late decelerations or prolonged decelerations, which would appear differently on the FHR tracing.