A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient and is assessing the fetal heart rate. The nurse notes that the fetal heart rate is abnormal for the third time; this is made known to the physician to order a fetal scalp pH sample. The nurse is aware that the fetus may be compromised if the fetal pH is:

Question

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The nurse is aware that the fetus may be compromised if the fetal pH is 7.17. This value is indicative of fetal hypoxia; any reading that is less than 7.20 is dangerous and requires an emergency birth. Any reading higher than 7.2 is not life-threatening.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Pregnant Patient and Is