A nurse is monitoring a laboring person for signs of fetal distress. Which finding is most indicative of fetal distress?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: bradycardia. Fetal distress is often indicated by a decreased fetal heart rate (bradycardia), which can be a sign of inadequate oxygenation. Bradycardia is a serious concern in labor and requires immediate intervention. Tachycardia (B) is an increased heart rate, which can indicate fetal distress but is not as specific as bradycardia. Late decelerations (C) are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, not necessarily fetal distress. Variable decelerations (D) are often related to cord compression and can be a sign of fetal distress, but bradycardia is a more direct indicator.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: encourage skin-to-skin contact. Skin-to-skin contact in the early postpartum period promotes bonding, regulates the baby's body temperature, and encourages successful breastfeeding by stimulating the baby's natural feeding instincts. It also helps in establishing a strong emotional connection between the parent and the newborn. Encouraging frequent feeding (choice A) is important, but skin-to-skin contact is crucial for successful breastfeeding initiation. Supporting the baby's latch (choice C) is essential, but skin-to-skin contact precedes and aids in achieving a proper latch. While supporting early initiation of breastfeeding (choice D) is beneficial, skin-to-skin contact enhances the initiation process and overall breastfeeding success.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Late decelerations. Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, which can lead to fetal hypoxia and distress. This is the most concerning finding as it indicates a problem with oxygen delivery to the fetus. Bradycardia (B) and Tachycardia (C) can also be concerning, but late decelerations are more specific to fetal distress. Variable decelerations (D) are caused by cord compression and are concerning but not as indicative of fetal distress as late decelerations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: assist with the delivery of the placenta. During the third stage of labor, the placenta needs to be delivered. This is done by gently applying traction to the umbilical cord while supporting the uterus to facilitate the expulsion of the placenta. This step is crucial to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Choice B (prepare for a vaginal birth) is incorrect because the person is already in the third stage of labor, which means the baby has been delivered and they are now focusing on delivering the placenta. Choice C (administer oxytocin) is incorrect because while oxytocin may be used to help control bleeding after the placenta is delivered, it is not the most appropriate intervention during the third stage of labor. Choice D (apply gentle pressure to the uterus) is incorrect because direct pressure to the uterus is not the primary intervention during the third stage of labor; assisting with the delivery of the placenta takes precedence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: administer uterotonic medications. Administering uterotonic medications helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contractions, which helps to control bleeding. The step-by-step rationale for this answer is as follows: 1. Uterotonic medications, such as oxytocin or misoprostol, are recommended as a prophylactic measure to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. 2. These medications help the uterus to contract, which compresses blood vessels and reduces the risk of excessive bleeding. 3. Administering uterotonic medications is a proactive approach to managing postpartum hemorrhage in high-risk individuals. Summary: Monitoring vital signs (choice A) is important but does not directly prevent hemorrhage. Assessing uterine tone (choice C) is helpful but may not be sufficient in preventing hemorrhage. Performing fundal massage (choice D) can help manage hemorrhage but is not as effective as administering ut