Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes 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
C
Rationale
Correct Answer: C (Fetal anemia)
Rationale: Fetal anemia can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to the fetus, causing fetal bradycardia. Anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, resulting in the heart working harder to compensate for the decreased oxygen levels, leading to a lower fetal heart rate.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Maternal hypoglycemia - Unlikely to cause fetal bradycardia directly.
B: Chorioamnionitis - Typically presents with maternal fever and tachycardia, not fetal bradycardia.
D: Maternal fever - Can cause fetal tachycardia, not bradycardia.
Rationale: Fetal anemia can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to the fetus, causing fetal bradycardia. Anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, resulting in the heart working harder to compensate for the decreased oxygen levels, leading to a lower fetal heart rate.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Maternal hypoglycemia - Unlikely to cause fetal bradycardia directly.
B: Chorioamnionitis - Typically presents with maternal fever and tachycardia, not fetal bradycardia.
D: Maternal fever - Can cause fetal tachycardia, not bradycardia.