Question

The nurse cares for a woman in labor. The nurse is MOST concerned the fetus is experiencing distress if which is observed?

A. Late decelerations
B. Early decelerations
C. Irregular heart rate
D. Variable decelerations

Answer 1

The nurse would be most concerned about fetal distress if late decelerations are observed during labor, as these indicate a lack of oxygen to the fetus and potential distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is most concerned the fetus is experiencing distress if late decelerations are observed during labor. These types of decelerations in the fetal heart rate are typically associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxemia. Early decelerations are usually not a concern as they often reflect head compression during contractions, while variable decelerations are caused by cord compression but may not always indicate severe distress. An irregular heart rate would depend on the patterns and context, but late decelerations during labor are the most indicative of fetal distress and can necessitate interventions such as emergency births.

Janine was started on an IV infusion of pitocin because her labor was not progressing normally even at 41 weeks, indicating a need for medical assistance to induce stronger and more regular contractions. As for the transit of breast milk, lactocytes produce milk that is then excreted through the nipple pores during breastfeeding. When breastfeeding is halted suddenly, a person may experience breast engorgement and leakage due to the continued production of milk and the need for gradual weaning.