Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1092 of 2368
One hour after the client received an IV opioid, the nurse sees that the fetal heart rate variability has decreased and there are no decelerations. How should the nurse interpret this finding?
- It is a sign of fetal metabolic acidosis that needs emergency delivery
- It is a transient effect that resolves once the medication is excreted
- It is a sign of fetal tachycardia caused by the opioid
- It shows that the fetus is in a deep vagal response
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Correct answer: It is a transient effect that resolves once the medication is excreted
Opioids, corticosteroids, and magnesium sulfate can lower variability temporarily. The nurse still monitors closely.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Labor & Delivery Care: FHR Variability. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026