Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 79%
Simulated
The nurse practitioner informs the new nurse that the laboring clientÔÇÖs monitor is showing prolonged decelerations. Which interpretation by the new nurse is correct?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
A prolonged deceleration occurs when the FHR decreases 15 bpm or more below baseline for at least 2 but not more than 10 minutes. The prolonged deceleration may resolve spontaneously or with the aid of interventions. A U- or V-shaped pattern with abrupt decrease in the FHR to less than 70 bpm, lasting more than 60 seconds, describes variable (not prolonged) deceleration typically associated with cord compression. Any episodic or periodic acceleration of FHR that lasts 2 minutes or more but less than 10 minutes in duration describes prolonged acceleration, not deceleration. The fetal heart monitor is monitoring the FHR and not the motherÔÇÖs heart rate.