Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and note the FHR baseline has been 100/min for the past 15 min. The nurse should identify which of the following conditions as a possible cause of fetal bradycardia?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Fetal anemia. Fetal bradycardia (baseline <110/min) can be caused by inadequate oxygen delivery to the fetus, such as in fetal anemia. Anemia decreases the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leading to fetal distress. Maternal fever (A) can increase the fetal heart rate, not decrease it. Maternal hypoglycemia (C) can cause fetal distress, but typically presents with fetal tachycardia. Chorioamnionitis (D) can cause maternal fever and tachycardia, but is less likely to directly affect the fetal heart rate. Other choices are not provided.