A nurse caring for a woman in labor should understand that absent or minimal variability is classified as either abnormal or indeterminate.Which condition related to decreased variability is considered benign?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the fetus is temporarily in a sleep state there is minimal variability present.Periodic fetal sleep states usually last no longer than 30 minutes.A woman who presents in labor with extreme prematurity may display a fetal heart rate (FHR)pattern of minimal or absent variability.Abnormal variability may also be related to fetal hypoxemia and metabolic acidemia.Congenital anomalies or preexisting neurologic injury may also present as absent or minimal variability.Other possible causes might be central nervous system (CNS)depressant medications,narcotics,or general anesthesia.

A Nurse Caring for a Woman in Labor Should Understand