<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.                  <!--[endif]-->A nurse monitors fetal well-being by means of an external monitor. At the peak of the contractions, the fetal heart rate has repeatedly dropped 30 beats/min below the baseline. Late decelerations are suspected and the nurse notifies the physician. Which is the rationale for this action?

Incorrect: A nuchal cord (cord around the neck) is associated with variable decelerations, not late decelerations.

Incorrect: Variable decelerations (not late decelerations) are associated with cord compression.

Incorrect: Late decelerations are a result of hypoxia. They are not reflective of the strength of maternal contractions.

Correct: Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and are a sign of fetal hypoxia. Repeated late decelerations indicate fetal distress.

The umbilical cord is wrapped tightly around the fetus' neck

The fetal cord is being compressed due to rapid descent of the fetal head

Maternal contractions are not adequate enough to deliver the fetus. The fetus is not receiving adequate oxygen and is in distress

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.                  <!--[endif]-->Which preoperative nursing interventions should be included for a client who is scheduled to have an emergency cesarean birth?

Incorrect: Monitoring O2 saturations and administering pain medications are postoperative interventions.