What might be a sign of distress identified through fetal monitoring?

What might be a sign of distress identified through fetal monitoring?

• A. Increased fetal movement
• B. Prolonged fetal heart rate deceleration
• C. Regular contractions
• D. Amniotic fluid release

Answer: (B)

The presence of prolonged fetal heart rate deceleration is a significant indicator of fetal distress during monitoring. This physiological response suggests that the fetus may not be receiving enough oxygen, possibly due to factors such as umbilical cord compression, uteroplacental insufficiency, or other conditions that compromise fetal health. When fetal heart rate decelerations occur, the duration and pattern of these decelerations can provide critical information about the fetus's well-being. A prolonged deceleration, specifically, is one that lasts longer than 15 seconds and can indicate a concerning situation that warrants further assessment and intervention to protect the fetus. In contrast, increased fetal movement is generally a positive sign, reflecting a healthy, active fetus. Regular contractions may indicate the early stages of labor but do not necessarily indicate fetal distress. Lastly, amniotic fluid release is related to the onset of labor or potential rupture of membranes, which alone does not signify fetal distress without further context.

The presence of prolonged fetal heart rate deceleration is a significant indicator of fetal distress during monitoring. This physiological response suggests that the fetus may not be receiving enough oxygen, possibly due to factors such as umbilical cord compression, uteroplacental insufficiency, or other conditions that compromise fetal health.

When fetal heart rate decelerations occur, the duration and pattern of these decelerations can provide critical information about the fetus's well-being. A prolonged deceleration, specifically, is one that lasts longer than 15 seconds and can indicate a concerning situation that warrants further assessment and intervention to protect the fetus.

In contrast, increased fetal movement is generally a positive sign, reflecting a healthy, active fetus. Regular contractions may indicate the early stages of labor but do not necessarily indicate fetal distress. Lastly, amniotic fluid release is related to the onset of labor or potential rupture of membranes, which alone does not signify fetal distress without further context.