Question

What sign during post-amniotomy monitoring may indicate potential umbilical cord compression in a pregnant patient?

• a) Increased fetal heart rate
• b) Decreased uterine contractions
• c) Clear amniotic fluid
• d) Maternal temperature elevation

Answer 1

Increased fetal heart rate may indicate potential umbilical cord compression in a pregnant patient during post-amniotomy monitoring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sign that may indicate potential umbilical cord compression in a pregnant patient during post-amniotomy monitoring is increased fetal heart rate.

Each contraction during labor reduces oxygenated blood flow to the fetus. If the umbilical cord is compressed, the fetus may experience hypoxia, leading to an increase in the fetal heart rate as a compensatory mechanism in an attempt to improve oxygenation.

Therefore, if a pregnant patient's monitoring shows an increased fetal heart rate after amniotomy, it may indicate potential umbilical cord compression.