The fetal heart rate baseline is 140 beats/min. When contractions begin, the fetal heart rate drops suddenly to 120, and rapidly returns to 140 before the end of the contraction. Which nursing intervention is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A sudden drop in fetal heart rate during contractions followed by a rapid return to baseline can indicate fetal distress caused by changes in blood flow. Changing the mother's position from a sitting to lateral position can improve blood flow to the fetus, making it the best nursing intervention in this situation. Oxygen may be beneficial in certain situations, but it is not the best intervention in this case. A cesarean birth is not immediately necessary based on the information provided. The color of the amniotic fluid is not relevant to this situation.

The Fetal Heart Rate Baseline Is 140 Beats/min