A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor, undergoing external fetal monitoring, and receiving IV fluid. The nurse observes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate on the monitor strip. Which of the following is a correct interpretation of this finding?

C Variable decelerations are due to umbilical cord compression. B Variable decelerations are related to fetal head compression. A Variable decelerations are a result of the administration of IV narcotic analgesics. D Variable decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency.