A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor.The nurse notes early decelerations of the FHR on the fetal monitor tracing.Which of the following conditions causes early decelerations in the FHR?

Choice A rationaleFetal hypoxemia causes late decelerations, not early decelerations. Late decelerations result from impaired placental oxygen exchange, not head compression.Choice B rationaleCord compression causes variable decelerations, not early decelerations. Variable decelerations are characterized by an abrupt decrease in fetal heart rate unrelated to contractions.Choice C rationaleUteroplacental insufficiency causes late decelerations due to inadequate blood and oxygen exchange in the placenta, not the gradual early decelerations seen with head compression.Choice D rationaleHead compression during uterine contractions activates the vagus nerve, leading to early decelerations. This is a normal physiological response and typically does not indicate fetal compromise. .