Question

A nurse is caring for a woman in labor whose fetal heart rate tracings show late decelerations. What observation by the nurse indicates that an important outcome for the nursing diagnosis of impaired fetal gas exchange has been met?

A. Fetal heart monitor shows accelerations to contractions.
B. Fetal heart monitor shows variable decelerations.
C. Fetal heart rate rises to180 beats/minute.
D. Maternal heart rate returns to baseline between contractions.

Answer 1

Fetal heart monitor shows accelerations to contractions. (option a)

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of caring for a woman in labor with fetal heart rate tracings indicating late decelerations, the nurse's observation of accelerations in the fetal heart monitor during contractions suggests a positive outcome for impaired fetal gas exchange. These accelerations signify an improved oxygen supply to the fetus and indicate a resolution of the issue of impaired gas exchange.

Accelerations in the fetal heart rate demonstrate fetal well-being and suggest that the baby is responding appropriately to uterine contractions. This response indicates that the fetus is receiving adequate oxygenation, addressing the previous concerns of impaired gas exchange that led to late decelerations.

Late decelerations on fetal heart rate tracings are concerning as they indicate compromised oxygen supply to the fetus during contractions. Therefore, the presence of accelerations represents an improvement in fetal gas exchange, reducing the risk of fetal distress and contributing to a favorable outcome for the baby during labor.

Answer 2

Accelerations in fetal heart rate during labor indicate a healthy fetal response to contractions and a positive outcome for the nursing diagnosis of impaired fetal gas exchange(option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

When managing a woman in labor whose fetal heart rate tracings show late decelerations, an observation indicating that an important outcome for the nursing diagnosis of impaired fetal gas exchange has been met would be the presence of accelerations in the fetal heart rate in response to contractions. Fetal heart rate accelerations are indicative of a healthy fetal response to contractions and suggest the fetus is not experiencing hypoxia. Variable decelerations are not ideal as they may signify cord compression. An excessively high fetal heart rate, such as 180 beats/minute, may indicate fetal distress. Maternal heart rate is less relevant to fetal status and more indicative of maternal well-being.

Hence, the answer is option A.