Final answer:
Generally, cooling a pregnant patient should be avoided as it can cause a decrease in the fetal heart rate, which may lead to fetal distress and potential complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: A pregnant patient should not be cooled because the fetal heart rate would be decreased? This statement can generally be considered True, although the specifics might depend on the context and degree of cooling involved. It is known that hypothermia slows the rate and strength of heart contractions. This impact on cardiac function is part of a broader response known as the diving reflex, which helps to prioritize blood flow to essential organs. In the context of pregnancy, excessive cooling of the fetus's environment could potentially lead to a reduction in the fetal heart rate, which can be an indicator of fetal distress. Fetal distress, characterized by a sustained decrease in heart rate, can occur from severe contractions that compromise the restoration of oxygenated blood to the fetus. If cooling were to lead to a decrease in heart rate, it could be problematic as it might also limit the fetus's oxygen supply, leading to further complications.