What characterizes tachysystole?

Tachysystole is characterized by the occurrence of more than five uterine contractions in a 10-minute window, averaged over a 30-minute period. This pattern indicates an increase in the frequency of contractions, which can be associated with various clinical implications during labor.

In the context of labor and delivery, tachysystole can lead to concerns regarding fetal distress due to potential insufficient oxygenation if the contractions are too frequent or too strong, thus decreasing the time for fetal recovery between contractions. Understanding this definition is crucial for appropriate management during labor, as tachysystole may require intervention or monitoring to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus.

The other choices do not accurately represent the definition of tachysystole, as they either describe a normal contraction pattern or do not reflect the criteria for tachysystole. Specifically, fewer than five contractions in 10 minutes indicates a low contraction frequency rather than an issue, while contractions lasting longer than 90 seconds describe a different concern, typically associated with hypertonic contractions. Likewise, contractions spaced more than two minutes apart would also suggest a normal pattern rather than tachysystole.