A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and is receiving epidural analgesia. Which of the following changes in the FHR should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale A prolonged period of absent FHR variability is a critical finding that the nurse must report to the provider immediately. Absent variability indicates a significant lack of fetal well-being, potentially due to severe hypoxia, acidosis, or neurological compromise. It necessitates prompt intervention to prevent adverse outcomes. Choice B rationale An FHR increase to 150/min is within the normal fetal heart rate range, which typically falls between 110 and 160 beats per minute. This finding alone does not indicate a problem and would not require reporting to the provider, as it suggests adequate fetal oxygenation and an appropriately reactive fetus. Choice C rationale FHR accelerations of 15/min for 15 seconds are a positive sign of fetal well-being. Accelerations indicate an intact fetal nervous system and adequate oxygenation. They are a reassuring finding and suggest that the fetus is tolerating the labor process well, therefore not requiring reporting. Choice D rationale Early decelerations of the FHR are typically benign and do not require reporting to the provider. These decelerations are usually associated with head compression during contractions and are characterized by a gradual decrease in FHR that mirrors the contraction, indicating a physiological response.