Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1095 of 2368

The nurse sees abrupt, V-shaped drops in the fetal heart rate of at least 15 bpm that last 30 seconds. Which cause should the nurse suspect?

  1. Compression of the fetal head
  2. Umbilical cord compression
  3. Uteroplacental insufficiency
  4. Fetal movement
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Correct answer: Umbilical cord compression

Variable decelerations are abrupt and caused by temporary cord compression. Repetitive ones can lead to hypoxia.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Labor & Delivery Care: VARIABLE DECELERATIONS. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026