Which of the following signs might indicate a complication during the labor process with vertex presentation?

Which of the following signs might indicate a complication during the labor process with vertex presentation?
A . Fetal tachycardia to 170 bpm during a contraction
B . Nausea and vomiting at 8C10 cm dilation
C . Contraction lasting 60 seconds
D . Appearance of dark-colored amniotic fluid

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

(A) Fetal tachycardia may indicate fetal hypoxia; however, 170 bpm is only mild tachycardia.

(B) Nausea and vomiting occur frequently during transition and are not a complication.

(C) Contractions frequently last 60C90 seconds during the transitional phase of labor and are not considered a complication as long as the uterus relaxes completely between contractions.

(D) Passage of meconium in a vertex presentation is a sign of fetal distress; this may be normal in a breech presentation owing to pressure on the presenting part.