NCC Certified Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) Practice Exam

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What is the primary goal in the treatment of late decelerations?

Reduce maternal discomfort
Maximize uteroplacental blood flow
Increase fetal heart rate
Administer medication quickly

The correct answer is: Maximize uteroplacental blood flow

The primary goal in the treatment of late decelerations is to maximize uteroplacental blood flow. Late decelerations are indicative of potential fetal distress often caused by insufficient oxygen delivery to the fetus, typically due to issues with the placenta or umbilical cord blood flow. By improving the blood flow between the mother and the placenta, the objective is to enhance oxygen availability to the fetus and mitigate any distress it might be experiencing. Addressing uteroplacental blood flow involves several interventions, including maternal position changes (often positioning the mother on her side), administering intravenous fluids, and optimizing maternal oxygenation. Each of these strategies aims to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord or improve placental perfusion, thereby promoting better outcomes for the fetal heart rate. While reducing maternal discomfort, increasing fetal heart rate, and administering medication can be part of the overall management during labor, these actions do not directly target the underlying issue associated with late decelerations as effectively as maximizing blood flow does. Therefore, focusing on uteroplacental circulation is crucial for addressing the specific concerns raised by late decelerations.