Chapter 9 Fetal Heart Rate Assessment

Chapter 9  Fetal Heart Rate Assessment

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

Multiple Choice

1. The nurse uses the external electronic fetal heart monitor to evaluate fetal status. The fetal heart tracing shows accelerations. Accelerations in the fetal heart are:
a. Associated with fetal well-being and oxygenation
b. An indication of potential fetal intolerance to labor
c. Never associated with the uterine contraction pattern
d. A reason to notify the care provider

ANS: a

Feedback
a.
Accelerations are a sign of fetal well-being.
b.
Accelerations are a sign of fetal well-being and are reassuring.
c.
Accelerations may or may not be associated with uterine contractions.
d.
Accelerations are reassuring, and there is no need to notify the care provider.

KEY: Integrated Process: Clinical Problem Solving | Cognitive Level: Analysis | Content Area: Maternity | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment | Difficulty Level: Moderate

2. The nurse knows that a FHR monitor printout indicates a Category III abnormal fetal heart rate pattern when:
a. Baseline variability is minimal or absent with decelerations.
b. FHR mirrors the uterine contractions.
c. Occasional periodic accelerations occur.
d. Baseline variability is 6 to 25 bpm with decelerations

ANS: a

Feedback
a.
Minimal or absent baseline variability may be an indication of fetal hypoxia.
b.
This answer describes early decelerations that are not an indication of fetal intolerance of labor.
c.
Periodic accelerations are a sign of fetal well-being.
d.
A baseline variability of 6 to 25 bpm is normal.

KEY: Integrated Process: Clinical Problem Solving | Cognitive Level: Analysis | Content Area: Maternity | Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance | Difficulty Level: Moderate

3. As the nurse explains the purpose of the tocotransducer (Toco), which she places on the abdomen, she states that this monitoring device provides an accurate evaluation of which of the following?
a. Uterine hypertonus
b. Frequency of contractions
c. Intensity of contractions
d. Progress of labor

ANS: b

Feedback
a.
Uterine tone is palpated or measured with an intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC).
b.
A tocotransducer measures frequency and duration of uterine contractions.
c.
Contraction strength is palpated or measured with an intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC).
d.
Progress of labor is evaluated with a sterile vaginal examination (SVE).

KEY: Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning | Cognitive Level: Knowledge | Content Area: Maternity | Client Need: Basic Care and Comfort | Difficulty Level: Easy

4. Early decelerations are probably caused by:
a. Decreased maternal–fetal exchange
b. Umbilical cord occlusion
c. Momentary increase in intracranial pressure due to head compression
d. Compression of umbilical cord

ANS: c

Feedback
a.
Decreased maternal–fetal exchange results in late decelerations.
b.
Umbilical cord occlusion results in variable deceleration or bradycardia.
c.
Early decelerations are related to increased intracranial pressure due to head compression.
d.
Compression of the umbilical cord results in variable decelerations.

KEY: Integrated Process: Clinical Problem Solving | Cognitive Level: Application | Content Area: Maternity | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment | Difficulty Level: Moderate