Master Late Decelerations with Picmonic for Nursing RN

When there is insufficient oxygenation between the placenta and fetus, uteroplacental insufficiency occurs and causes late decelerations.

There are many causes for late decelerations, such as uterine tachysystole, which occurs when there are more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes. Frequent contractions do not allow sufficient recovery and adequate oxygen exchange in the placenta. Other conditions are maternal supine hypotension, placental previa, hypertensive disorders, diabetes mellitus, intraamniotic infection, intrauterine growth restriction, epidural or spinal anesthesia, and postmaturity.

A late deceleration is associated with fetal hypoxemia, acidemia, and low Apgar scores. When late decelerations become persistent or repetitive, it is considered an ominous sign, especially when associated with fetal tachycardia and loss of contraction variability.

If oxytocin (Pitocin) is infusing, it should be discontinued until the late decelerations are corrected. This will slow the rate and strength of the contractions to allow for better perfusion of the placenta.

It is important to provide oxygen by nonrebreather face mask to the mother to alleviate the shortage of oxygen exchanging across the placental to the fetus.

An immediate and priority nursing action would be to change the laboring patient’s position to side-lying to eliminate any supine hypotension issue.

When maternal blood pressure is low, it is helpful to elevate the legs to assist with alleviating maternal hypotension.

Dehydration and hypovolemia can cause a reduction of blood flow to the placenta, so by increasing the rate of the maintenance IV solution will address this problem.