Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

Variable decelerations in fetal heart rate are characterized by abrupt decreases in heart rate that can be linked to umbilical cord compression. In such cases, one of the primary interventions is to change the mother's position. This is effective because modifying the mother's position can relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, thereby improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus, which may help stabilize the fetal heart rate.

When the mother shifts her position, it may alleviate cord compression, which is often the underlying cause of variable decelerations. Positions such as left lateral or side-lying can optimize blood flow and promote fetal well-being.

While increasing fetal monitoring frequency, administering medication, or starting IV fluids can be part of the broader management of fetal distress or other obstetric complications, the immediate and proactive step in response to variable decelerations is to adjust the maternal position to reassess and potentially resolve the issue.