Which assessment finding does the nurse recognize is the result of the laboring patient's increasing anxiety level as contractions become stronger?
A) Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns
B) Increased uterine contractility
C) Shorter second stage of labor
D) Reduced maternal heart rate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns during labor can be an indication of fetal distress. This can be caused by the mother's anxiety and stress during labor, which can lead to changes in the uterine blood flow, affecting the fetal oxygen supply. Therefore, this assessment finding can be indicative of the laboring patient's increasing anxiety level as contractions become stronger. Increased uterine contractility (B) is a usual finding during active labor, regardless of anxiety level. Shorter second stage of labor (C) can be an indication of efficient contractions and pushing efforts, and it is not related to anxiety. Reduced maternal heart rate (D) can be a finding in early labor, due to the initial increase in vagal tone, or a result of the use of medication, like opioids or epidural anesthesia.

Which Assessment Finding Does the Nurse Recognize Is the Result