A laboring patient shows late decelerations on the fetal monitor. What does this indicate and what action is prioritized?

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Study for the NCLEX Pregnancy at Risk Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare. Get ready to excel on your exam!

Multiple Choice

A laboring patient shows late decelerations on the fetal monitor. What does this indicate and what action is prioritized?

Explanation:
Late decelerations signal uteroplacental insufficiency and potential fetal hypoxia during labor. The prioritized actions aim to improve placental blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus: reposition the mother to enhance uterine perfusion (often left lateral), administer oxygen to increase fetal oxygenation, discontinue oxytocin if infusing to reduce uterine hyperstimulation, and prepare for delivery if the pattern persists despite these measures. If the decelerations persist or worsen, delivery may be necessary to relieve the hypoxic stress.

Late decelerations signal uteroplacental insufficiency and potential fetal hypoxia during labor. The prioritized actions aim to improve placental blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus: reposition the mother to enhance uterine perfusion (often left lateral), administer oxygen to increase fetal oxygenation, discontinue oxytocin if infusing to reduce uterine hyperstimulation, and prepare for delivery if the pattern persists despite these measures. If the decelerations persist or worsen, delivery may be necessary to relieve the hypoxic stress.

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