A midwife reviews a fetal heart rate monitor tracing and notes decelerations occurring until 35 seconds after the onset of each contraction. The midwife further notes that the decelerations are continuous past the end of each contraction. The fetal head is fully descended. The midwife suspects which of the following conditions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fetal heart rate monitor tracing reveals that the client is demonstrating late decelerations. Late decelerations occur due to uteroplacental insufficiency or decreased blood flow through the intervillous spaces of the uterus during contractions. Fetal head compression is manifested by early decelerations. Cephalopelvic disproportion is manifested by early decelerations before the head is fully descended. Cord compression is manifested by variable decelerations.

A Midwife Reviews a Fetal Heart Rate Monitor Tracing and Notes