OB FINAL STACK 8
17. The nurse is obtaining a baseline fetal heart rate (FHR). At 1:00 pm the baseline FHR was 130, at 1:20 pm FHR baseline was 166, and at 1:40 pm the baseline FHR was 204. What should the nurse assess from this trend of fetal baselines? Select all that apply. 1. The 1:00 pm FHR baseline warranted no further action. 2. The 1:20 pm FHR baseline warranted immediate fetal resuscitation. 3. The 1:00 pm FHR baseline warranted immediate maternal resuscitation 4. The 1:20 pm FHR baseline should be corrected immediately with delivery. 5. The 1:40 pm FHR baseline should be corrected immediately.
. ANS: 1, 5
18. The nursing preceptor is teaching the nursing student about fetal bradycardia. Which is true of the maternal reasons for fetal bradycardia? Select all that apply. 1. A maternal fever in labor is usually due to dehydration and therefore should be treated with a fluid bolus. 2. Administering terbutaline to the mother for uterine tachysystole; this is self-limiting to when the drug is affecting the mother. 3. A urine toxicology screen may reveal recent cocaine use; the nurse should also monitor for placental abruption. 4. Check the chart for a history of maternal mental illness, particularly maternal anxiety; speak with the patient regarding her anxiety and take steps to ease her anxieties. 5. Check the maternal blood pressure, as hypertension is linked to fetal tachycardia; identify the on-call provider and correct with lisinopril as necessary.
. ANS: 2, 3, 4, 5
19. The nurse is caring for a 30-year-old woman who is G4P2012 at 38 weeks and 5 days gestation. The nurse is watching her EFM strip and notices that for the past 10 minutes the fetus has shown minimal variability. Which actions should the nurse perform? Select all that apply. 1. Check to see if the patients' membranes have been ruptured, as there could be potential cord compression. 2. Look to see what the patient's position is and is she supine; change her to left side lying. 3. Continue to watch the strip, but know that this could be due to fetal sleep. 4. Recognize that the fetus is 38 weeks and therefore this could be due to fetal maturity. 5. Check the FHR and connect the minimal variability to fetal bradyasystole.
ANS: 1, 2, 3
20. Which actions indicate the is assessing uterine activity? Select all that apply. 1. Feeling the maternal abdomen in between contractions 2. Checking the EFM strip to determine if contractions are either 2 or 3 minutes apart 3. Evaluating that the EFM strip shows 200 MVU every 10 minutes. 4. Checking the EFM strip to see if the fetus has an elevation of 15 bpm over baseline for 15 seconds twice in a 20-minute period 5. Evaluating that the EFM strip shows that each contraction lasts 1 minute
ANS: 1, 2, 3, 5
15. The nurse-educator is preparing a presentation on fetal heart monitoring. Which of the following should be included? Select all that apply. 1. Intermittent auscultation should be performed every hour in the latent phase. 2. For Category I situations, intermittent electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) should be performed for 10 to 30 minutes every 1 to 2.5 hours. 3. A patient with a previous cesarean section should have EFM for 10 to 30 minutes every 1 to 2.5 hours. 4. A patient with membranes ruptured over 24 hours should be monitored during the latent phase every 30 minutes, every 15 minutes during the active phase, and every 5 minutes during the second stage. 5. A patient with fever should be monitored during the latent phase every 30 minutes, every 15 minutes during the active phase, and every 5 minutes during the second stage.
ANS: 1, 2, 4, 5
16. The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who expresses concern about the effects of electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) on her labor and delivery. Which responses by the nurse would be appropriate in this situation? Select all that apply. 1. "There is a reduced rate of seizures if a patient has EFM during labor." 2. "There is a decrease in the incidence of cerebral palsy if a patient has EFM during labor." 3. "There is a link between decreased infant mortality and EFM during delivery." 4. "There is a link between the rate of cesarean sections and continuous EFM." 5. "There is an increase in operative vaginal births and the use of continuous EFM."
ANS: 1, 4, 5
25. Which patient is a candidate for internal monitoring with an intrauterine pressure catheter? a. Obese patient whose contractions are 3 to 6 minutes apart, lasting 20 to 50 seconds b. Gravida 1, para 0, whose contractions are 2 to 3 minutes apart, lasting 60 seconds c. Multigravida whose contractions are 2 minutes apart, lasting 60 to 70 seconds d. Gravida 2, para 1, in latent phase whose contractions are irregular and mild
ANS: A A thick layer of abdominal fat absorbs energy from uterine contractions, reducing their apparent intensity on the monitor strip. Contraction patterns of 2 to 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds and every 2 minutes lasting 60 to 70 seconds indicate accurate measurement of uterine activity. Irregular and mild contractions are common in the latent phase.
26. Which of the following is the priority intervention for the patient in a left side-lying position whose monitor strip shows a deceleration that extends beyond the end of the contraction? a. Administer O2 at 8 to 10 L/minute. b. Decrease the IV rate to 100 mL/hour. c. Reposition the ultrasound transducer. d. Perform a vaginal exam to assess for cord prolapse.
ANS: A A deceleration that returns to baseline after the end of the contraction is a late deceleration caused by placental perfusion problems. Administering oxygen will increase the patient's blood oxygen saturation, making more oxygen available to the fetus. Decreasing the IV rate, repositioning the ultrasound transducer, and performing a vaginal exam to assess for cord prolapse are not effective interventions to improve fetal oxygenation.
28. The nurse is reviewing an electronic fetal monitor tracing from a patient in active labor and notes the fetal heart rate gradually drops to 20 beats per minute (bpm) below the baseline and returns to the baseline well after the completion of the patient's contractions. How will the nurse document these findings? a. Late decelerations b. Early decelerations c. Variable decelerations d. Proximal decelerations
ANS: A Late decelerations are similar to early decelerations in the degree of FHR slowing and lowest rate (30 to 40 bpm) but are shifted to the right in relation to the contraction. They often begin after the peak of the contraction. The FHR returns to baseline after the contraction ends. The early decelerations mirror the contraction, beginning near its onset and returning to the baseline by the end of the contraction, with the low point (nadir) of the deceleration occurring near the contraction's peak. The rate at the lowest point of the deceleration is usually no lower than 30 to 40 bpm from the baseline. Conditions that reduce flow through the umbilical cord may result in variable decelerations. These decelerations do not have the uniform appearance of early and late decelerations. Their shape, duration, and degree of fall below baseline rate vary. They fall and rise abruptly (within 30 seconds) with the onset and relief of cord compression, unlike the gradual fall and rise of early and late decelerations. Proximal deceleration is not a recognized term.
5. Which clinical finding can be determined only by electronic fetal monitoring? a. Variability b. Tachycardia c. Bradycardia d. Fetal response to contractions
ANS: A Beat-to-beat variability cannot be determined by auscultation because auscultation provides only an average fetal heart rate (FHR) as it fluctuates. Tachycardia can be determined by any of the FHR monitoring techniques. Bradycardia can be determined by any of the FHR monitoring techniques. The fetal response to the contractions is usually noted by an increase or decrease in n fetal heart rate. These can be determined by any of the FHR monitoring techniques.
33. Which clinical finding would be considered normal for a preterm fetus during the labor period? a. Baseline tachycardia b. Baseline bradycardia c. Fetal anemia d. Acidosis
ANS: A Because the nervous system is immature, it is expected that the preterm fetus will have a baseline tachycardia because of stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Baseline bradycardia, fetal anemia, and acidosis would indicate abnormal findings and fetal compromise.
23. Decelerations that mirror the contractions are present with each contraction on the monitor strip of a multipara who received epidural anesthesia 20 minutes ago. The nurse should a. maintain the normal assessment routine. b. administer O2 at 8 to 10 L/minute by face mask. c. increase the IV flow rate from 125 to 150 mL/hour. d. assess the maternal blood pressure for a systolic pressure below 100 mm Hg.
ANS: A Decelerations that mirror the contraction are early decelerations caused by fetal head compression. Early decelerations are not associated with fetal compromise and require no intervention. Administering O2, increasing the IV flow rate, and assessing for hypotension are not necessary within early decelerations.
3. The nurse is instructing a nursing student on the application of fetal monitoring devices. Which method of assessing the fetal heart rate requires the use of a gel? a. Doppler b. Fetoscope c. Scalp electrode d. Tocodynamometer
ANS: A Doppler is the only listed method involving ultrasonic transmission of fetal heart rates; it requires the use of a gel. The fetoscope does not require gel because ultrasonic transmission is not used. The scalp electrode is attached to the fetal scalp; gel is not necessary. The tocodynamometer does not require gel. This device monitors uterine contractions.
10. In which situation would a baseline fetal heart rate of 160 to 170 bpm be considered a normal finding? a. The fetus is at 30 weeks of gestation. b. The mother has a history of fast labors. c. The mother has been given an epidural block. d. The mother has mild preeclampsia but is not in labor.
ANS: A The normal preterm fetus may have a baseline rate slightly higher than the term fetus because of an immature parasympathetic nervous system that does not yet exert a slowing effect on the fetal heart rate (FHR). Fast labors should not alter the FHR normally. Any change in the FHR with an epidural is not considered an expected outcome. Preeclampsia should not cause a normal elevation of the FHR
29. A patient at 41 weeks' gestation is undergoing an induction of labor with an IV administration of oxytocin (Pitocin). The fetal heart rate starts to demonstrate a recurrent pattern of late decelerations with moderate variability. What is the nurse's priority action? a. Stop the infusion of Pitocin. b. Reposition the patient from her right to her left side. c. Perform a vaginal exam to assess for a prolapsed cord. d. Prepare the patient for an emergency cesarean birth
ANS: A There are multiple reasons for late decelerations. Address the probable cause first, such as uterine hyperstimulation with Pitocin, to alleviate the outcome of late decelerations. Repositioning can increase oxygenation to the fetus but does not address the cause of the problem. Variable decelerations are more often seen with a prolapsed cord. In the presence of moderate variability, the fetus continues to have adequate oxygen reserves. If a Category II (indeterminate) or III (abnormal) tracing is interpreted, a prompt approach to assessing oxygenation should be completed
2. Which maternal condition should be considered a contraindication for the application of internal monitoring devices? a. Unruptured membranes b. Cervix dilated to 4 cm c. Fetus has known heart defect d. Maternal HIV
ANS: A To apply internal monitoring devices, the membranes must be ruptured. Cervical dilation of 4 cm would permit the insertion of fetal scalp electrodes and an intrauterine catheter. A compromised fetus should be monitored with the most accurate monitoring devices. An internal electrode should not be placed if the patient has hemophilia, maternal HIV, or genital herpes.
1. Which medications could potentially cause hyperstimulation of the uterus during labor? (Select all that apply.) a. Oxytocin (Pitocin) b. Misoprostol (Cytotec) c. Dinoprostone (Cervidil) d. Methylergonovine maleate (Methergine)
ANS: A, B, C, D Oxytocin, misoprostol, and dinoprostone fall under the general category of uterine stimulants. Cytotec and Cervidil are prostaglandins. Methergine is an ergot alkaloid
2. When evaluating the patient's progress, the nurse knows that four of the five fetal factors that interact to regulate the heart rate are (Select all that apply.) a. baroreceptors. b. adrenal glands. c. chemoreceptors. d. uterine activity. e. autonomic nervous system
ANS: A, B, C, E The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system are balanced forces that regulate FHR. Sympathetic stimulation increases the heart rate, whereas parasympathetic responses, through stimulation of the vagus nerve, reduce the FHR, and maintain variability. The baroreceptors stimulate the vagus nerve to slow the FHR and decrease the blood pressure. These are located in the carotid arch and major arteries. The chemoreceptors are cells that respond to changes in oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH. They are found in the medulla oblongata and aortic and carotid bodies. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stress, causing accelerations in FHR. Hypertonic uterine activity can reduce the time available for the exchange of oxygen and waste products; however, this is a maternal factor. The fifth fetal factor is the central nervous system. The fetal cerebral cortex causes the heart rate to increase during fetal movement and decrease when the fetus sleeps
4. The nurse is preparing supplies for an amnioinfusion on a patient with intact membranes. Which supplies should the nurse gather? (Select all that apply.) a. Extra underpads b. Solution of 3% normal saline c. Amniotic hook to perform an amniotomy d. Solid intrauterine pressure catheter with a pressure transducer on its tip
ANS: A, C Amnioinfusion is performed with lactated Ringer's solution or normal saline, not 3%. Normal saline is infused into the uterus through an intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC). The underpads must be changed regularly because fluid leaks out constantly. The membranes need to be ruptured before an amnioinfusion can be initiated so an amni
21. The physician has ordered an amnioinfusion for the laboring patient. Which data supports the use of this therapeutic procedure? a. Presenting part not engaged b. +4 meconium-stained amniotic fluid on artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) c. Breech position of fetus d. Twin gestation
ANS: B Amnioinfusion is a procedure utilized during labor when cord compression or the detection of gross meconium staining is found in the amniotic fluid. An isotonic (Lactated Ringers or normal saline) solution is used as an irrigation method through the IUPC (intrauterine pressure catheter).
6. Which method of intrapartum fetal monitoring is the most appropriate when a woman has a history of hypertension during pregnancy? a. Continuous auscultation with a fetoscope b. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring c. Intermittent assessment with a Doppler transducer d. Intermittent electronic fetal monitoring for 15 minutes each hour
ANS: B Maternal hypertension may reduce placental blood flow through vasospasm of the spiral arteries. Reduced placental perfusion is best assessed with continuous electronic fetal monitoring to identify patterns associated with this condition. It is not practical to provide continuous auscultation with a fetoscope. This fetus needs continuous monitoring because it is at high risk for complications.
16. Which statement correctly describes the nurse's responsibility related to electronic monitoring? a. Report abnormal findings to the physician before initiating corrective actions. b. Teach the woman and her support person about the monitoring equipment and discuss any of their questions. c. Document the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions measured by the external device. d. Inform the support person that the nurse will be responsible for all comfort measures when the electronic equipment is in place.
ANS: B Teaching is an essential part of the nurse's role. Corrective actions should be initiated first to correct abnormal findings as quickly as possible. Electronic monitoring will record the contractions and FHR response. The support person should still be encouraged to assist with the comfort measures
15. Which nursing action is correct when initiating electronic fetal monitoring? a. Lubricate the tocotransducer with an ultrasound gel. b. Securely apply the tocotransducer with a strap or belt. c. Inform the patient that she should remain in the semi-Fowler position. d. Determine the position of the fetus before attaching the electrode to the maternal abdomen.
ANS: B The tocotransducer should fit snugly on the abdomen to monitor uterine activity accurately. The tocotransducer does not need gel to operate appropriately. The patient should be encouraged to move around during labor. The tocotransducer should be placed at the fundal area of the uterus
19. What is the most likely cause for this fetal heart rate pattern? a. Administration of an epidural for pain relief during labor b. Cord compression c. Breech position of fetus d. Administration of meperidine (Demerol) for pain relief during labor
ANS: B Variable deceleration patterns are seen in response to head compression or cord compression. A breech presentation would not be likely to cause this fetal heart rate pattern. Similarly, administration of medication and/or an epidural would not cause this fetal heart rate pattern.
12. When the mother's membranes rupture during active labor, the fetal heart rate should be observed for the occurrence of which periodic pattern? a. Early decelerations b. Variable decelerations c. Nonperiodic accelerations d. Increase in baseline variability
ANS: B when the membranes rupture, amniotic fluid may carry the umbilical cord to a position where it will be compressed between the maternal pelvis and the fetal presenting part, resulting in a variable deceleration pattern. Early declarations are considered reassuring; they are not a concern after rupture of membranes. Accelerations are considered reassuring; they are not a concern after rupture of membranes. Increase in baseline variability is not an expected occurrence after the rupture of membranes.
3. The nurse recognizes that fetal scalp stimulation may be prescribed to evaluate the response of the fetus to tactile stimulation. Which conditions contraindicate the use of fetal scalp stimulation? (Select all that apply.) a. Post-term fetus b. Maternal fever c. Placenta previa d. Induction of labor e. Prolonged rupture of membranes
ANS: B, C, E Fetal scalp stimulation is not done when there is maternal fever (possibility of introducing microorganisms into the uterus), placenta previa (placenta overlies the cervix, and hemorrhage is likely), or prolonged rupture of membranes (risk of infection). Fetal scalp stimulation may be used to evaluate a post-term fetus' response to stimulation. It is also used to evaluate a fetus when labor is being induced.
30. The nurse admits a laboring patient at term. On review of the prenatal record, the patient's pregnancy has been unremarkable and she is considered low risk. In planning the patient's care, at what interval will the nurse intermittently auscultate (IA) the fetal heart rate during the first stage of labor? a. Every 10 minutes b. Every 15 minutes c. Every 30 minutes d. Every 60 minutes
ANS: C Evaluate the fetal monitoring strip systematically for the elements noted. The following are recommended assessment and documentation intervals for IA and EFM (although facility policies may be different): low-risk women, every 30 minutes during the active phase and every 15 minutes during the second stage.
14. When a Category II pattern of the fetal heart rate is noted and the patient is lying on her left side, which nursing action is indicated? a. Lower the head of the bed. b. Place a wedge under the left hip. c. Change her position to the right side. d. Place the mother in Trendelenburg position
ANS: C A Category II pattern indicates an indeterminate fetal heart rate. Repositioning on the opposite side may relieve compression on the umbilical cord and improve blood flow to the placenta. Lowering the head of the bed would not be the first position change choice. The woman is already on her left side, so a wedge on that side would not be an appropriate choice. Repositioning to the opposite side is the first intervention. If unsuccessful with improving the FHR pattern, further changes in position can be attempted; the Trendelenburg position might be the choice
22. Which of the following is the priority intervention for a supine patient whose monitor strip shows decelerations that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to the baseline after the contraction ends? a. Increase IV infusion. b. Elevate lower extremities. c. Reposition to left side-lying position. d. Administer oxygen per face mask at 4 to 6 L/minute.
ANS: C Decelerations that begin at the peak of the contractions and recover after the contractions end are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. When the patient is in the supine position, the weight of the uterus partially occludes the vena cava and descending aorta, resulting in hypotension and decreased placental perfusion. Increasing the IV infusion, elevating the lower extremities, and administering O2 will not be effective as long as the patient is in a supine position.
24. To clarify the fetal condition when baseline variability is absent, the nurse should first a. monitor fetal oxygen saturation using fetal pulse oximetry. b. notify the physician so that a fetal scalp blood sample can be obtained. c. apply pressure to the fetal scalp with a glove finger using a circular motion. d. increase the rate of nonadditive IV fluid to expand the mother's blood volume
ANS: C Fetal scalp stimulation helps identify whether the fetus responds to gentle massage. An acceleration in response to the massage suggests that the fetus is in normal oxygen and acid-base balance. Monitoring fetal oxygen saturation using fetal pulse oximetry is no longer available in the United States. Obtaining a fetal scalp blood sample is invasive and the results are not immediately available. Increasing the rate of nonadditive IV fluid would not clarify the fetal condition.
18. Which of the following therapeutic applications provides the most accurate information related to uterine contraction strength? a. External fetal monitoring (EFM) b. Internal fetal monitoring c. Intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) d. Maternal comments based on perception
ANS: C IUPC is a clinical tool that provides an accurate assessment of uterine contraction strength. EFM provides evidence of contraction pattern and fetal heart rate but only estimates uterine contraction strength. Internal fetal monitoring provides direct evidence of fetal heart rate and contraction pattern. It only estimates uterine contraction strength. Maternal comments related to pain may not be related to uterine contraction strength and thus are influenced by the patient's own pain perception.
9. If the position of a fetus in a cephalic presentation is right occiput anterior, the nurse should assess the fetal heart rate in which quadrant of the maternal abdomen? a. Right upper b. Left upper c. Right lower d. Left lower
ANS: C If the fetus is in a right occiput anterior position, the fetal spine will be on the mother's right side. The best location to hear the fetal heart rate is through the fetal shoulder, which would be in the right lower quadrant. The right upper, left upper, and left lower areas are not the best locations for assessing the fetal heart rate in this case.
20. The patient presenting at 38 weeks' gestation, gravida 1, para 0, vaginal exam 4 cm, 100% effaced, +1 station vertex. What is the most likely intervention for this fetal heart rate pattern? a. Continue oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion. b. Contact the anesthesia department for epidural administration. c. Change maternal position. d. Administer Narcan to patient and prepare for immediate vaginal delivery
ANS: C Late decelerations indicate fetal compromise (uteroplacental insufficiency) and are considered to be a significant event requiring immediate assessment and intervention. Of all the options listed, changing maternal position may increase placental perfusion. In the presence of late decelerations, Pitocin infusion should be stopped. Contacting anesthesia for epidural administration will not solve the existing problem of late decelerations. There are no data to support the administration of Narcan and because patient is still in early labor, birth is not imminent.
13. The fetal heart rate baseline increases 20 bpm after vibroacoustic stimulation. The best interpretation of this is that the fetus is showing a. a worsening hypoxia. b. progressive acidosis. c. an expected response. d. parasympathetic stimulation.
ANS: C The fetus with adequate reserve for the stress of labor will usually respond to vibroacoustic stimulation with a temporary increase in the fetal heart rate (FHR) baseline. An increase in the FHR with stimulation does not indicate hypoxia. An increase in the FHR after stimulation is an anticipated response and does not indicate acidosis. An increase in the FHR after stimulation is a normal pattern, and does not indicate problems with the parasympathetic nervous system. A Category I pattern is normal and strongly predictive of adequate fetal acid-base status
11. When the deceleration pattern of the fetal heart rate mirrors the uterine contraction, which nursing action is indicated? a. Reposition the patient. b. Apply a fetal scalp electrode. c. Record this normal pattern. d. Administer oxygen by nasal cannula.
ANS: C The periodic pattern described is early deceleration that is not associated with fetal compromise and requires no intervention. This is a Category I tracing which is a normal pattern. Repositioning the patient, applying a fetal scalp electrode, or administering oxygen would be interventions performed for Category II or III patterns.
4. Proper placement of the tocotransducer for electronic fetal monitoring is a. Inside the uterus. b. On the fetal scalp. c. Over the uterine fundus. d. Over the mother's lower abdomen.
ANS: C The tocotransducer monitors uterine activity and should be placed over the fundus, where the most intensive uterine contractions occur. The tocotransducer is for external use. The tocotransducer monitors uterine contractions. The most intensive uterine contractions occur at the fundus; this is the best placement area.
17. Observation of a fetal heart rate pattern indicates an increase in heart rate from the prior baseline rate of 152 bpm. Which physiologic mechanisms would account for this situation? a. Inhibition of epinephrine b. Inhibition of norepinephrine c. Stimulation of the vagus nerve d. Sympathetic stimulation
ANS: D Sympathetic nerve innervation would result in an increase in fetal heart rate. The release of epinephrine as a result of sympathetic innervation would lead to an increase in fetal heart rate. The release of norepinephrine as a result of sympathetic innervation would lead to an increase in fetal heart rate. Stimulation of the vagus nerve would indicate parasympathetic innervation and result in a decreased heart rate.
1. The nurse evaluates a pattern on the fetal monitor that appears similar to early decelerations. The deceleration begins near the acme of the contraction and continues well beyond the end of the contraction. Which nursing action indicates the proper evaluation of this situation? a. This pattern reflects variable decelerations. No interventions are necessary at this time. b. Document this Category I fetal heart rate pattern and decrease the rate of the intravenous (IV) fluid. c. Continue to monitor these early decelerations, which occur as the fetal head is compressed during a contraction. d. This deceleration pattern is associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. The nurse must act quickly to improve placental blood flow and fetal oxygen supply.
ANS: D A pattern similar to early decelerations, but the deceleration begins near the acme of the contraction and continues well beyond the end of the contraction, describes a late deceleration. Oxygen should be given via a snug face mask. Position the patient on her left side to increase placental blood flow. Variable decelerations are caused by cord compression. A vaginal examination should be performed to identify this potential emergency. This is not a normal pattern, rather it is a Category III tracing, predictive of abnormal fetal acid status at the time of observation. The IV rate should be increased in order to add to the mother's blood volume. These are late decelerations, not early; therefore interventions are necessary.
8. The nurse is concerned that a patient's uterine activity is too intense and that her obesity is preventing accurate assessment of the actual intrauterine pressure. Based on this information, which action should the nurse take? a. Reposition the tocotransducer. b. Reposition the Doppler transducer. c. Obtain an order from the health care provider for a spiral electrode. d. Obtain an order from the health care provider for an intrauterine pressure catheter.
ANS: D An intrauterine pressure catheter can measure actual intrauterine pressure. The tocotransducer measures the uterine pressure externally; this would not be accurate with an obese patient, even with repositioning. A Doppler auscultates the FHR. A scalp electrode (or spiral electrode) measures the fetal heart rate (FHR)
7. Why is continuous electronic fetal monitoring generally used when oxytocin is administered? a. Fetal chemoreceptors are stimulated. b. The mother may become hypotensive. c. Maternal fluid volume deficit may occur. d. Uteroplacental exchange may be compromised.
ANS: D The uterus may contract more firmly and the resting tone may be increased with oxytocin use. This response reduces the entrance of freshly oxygenated maternal blood into the intervillous spaces, depleting fetal oxygen reserves. Oxytocin affects the uterine muscles. Hypotension is not a common side effect of oxytocin. All laboring women are at risk for fluid volume deficit; oxytocin administration does not increase the risk.
27. When a pattern of variable decelerations occur, the nurse should immediately a. administer O2 at 8 to 10 L/minute. b. place a wedge under the right hip. c. increase the IV fluids to 150 mL/hour. d. position patient in a knee-chest position.
ANS: D Variable decelerations are caused by conditions that reduce flow through the umbilical cord. The patient should be repositioned when the FHR pattern is associated with cord compression. The knee-chest position uses gravity to shift the fetus out of the pelvis to relieve cord compression. Administering oxygen will not be effective until cord compression is relieved. Increasing the IV fluids and placing a wedge under the right hip are not effective interventions for cord compression
10. The nurse is monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing and sees that her patient has a tracing with a baseline of 120, moderate variability, with absence of decelerations and accelerations. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development tier system, what category tracing does the patient's fall into? 1. A Category I tracing 2. A Category II tracing 3. A Category III tracing 4. A Category IV tracing
ans 1 This is correct. This is a normal tracing.
2. While providing care for a patient, the nurse notices an erratic FHR recording. What action should the nurse take next? 1. Help the patient move around to help obtain the signal. 2. Place the transducer in a different position. 3. Check the mother's cervical progress to see if she is in the second stage of labor. 4. Remove some of the ultrasound gel from the transducer.
ans 2 This is correct. Fetal or maternal movement may cause erratic FHR recordings, and moving the transducer would help the recording if fetal movement causes it
14. The nurse is caring for a baby who is experiencing fetal tachycardia. Which action should the nurse take next? 1. Perform fetal scalp stimulation for 5 seconds. 2. Check maternal allergies in the patient chart. 3. Apply heat packs to the maternal chest and head. 4. Stimulate the fetus with a vibroacoustic device.
ans 2 This is correct. Fetal tachycardia can be caused by maternal or fetal infection and antibiotics may be administered; typically, penicillin is administered and a penicillin allergy would require a different medication.
11. The nurse is using the Parer and Ikeda five-tier system. A co-worker is concerned about a patient whose fetus has an acceptably low risk of acidemia and evidence of impending fetal asphyxia. What is the next best step for the nurse? 1. Perform conservative measures. 2. Prepare for urgent delivery. 3. Assist provider in immediate delivery. 4. Increase surveillance of patient.
ans 2 This is correct. Orange indicates an acceptably low risk of acidemia and preparation for possible urgent delivery.
4. The nurse is looking at an EFM strip and sees that the patient is having contractions that are measuring 150 MVU every 10 minutes for the past 2 hours and the fetus is in fetal distress. What would this indicate for next steps? 1. The patients' contractions are adequate, so the main focus should be on resuscitating the fetus with maternal oxygen and maternal position change. 2. The patients' contractions are inadequate; the provider could consider an amnioinfusion through the IUPC, and once the fetus has improved, contractions need to be augmented to be more effective. 3. The patients' contractions are adequate, so the main focus should be on determining her progress through cervical change. 4. The patients' contractions are inadequate; the provider could consider augmenting with Pitocin to be more effective.
ans 2 This is correct. The patients' contractions are inadequate, so the provider could consider an amnioinfusion through the IUPC. Then, once the fetus has improved, contractions need to be augmented to be more effective.
8. The nurse preceptor is teaching a nursing student about the physiology of the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern. Which statement by the student indicates successful teaching about this concept? 1. "Vagus nerve stimulation increases FHR and helps maintain variability." 2. "The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for heart rate variability." 3. "Action of the FHR occurs through the absence of norepinephrine." 4. "Baroreceptors are responsible for increasing FHR and fetal blood pressure."
ans 2 This is correct. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for heart rate variability
5. While reviewing the birth plan of an uncomplicated and healthy patient in active labor, the nurse notices that she would like to have a natural labor and potentially experience hydrotherapy. Which option should the nurse suggest for the patient? 1. IUPC to make sure that her contractions are adequate to keep labor progressing 2. FSE to make sure that her fetus is tolerating the hydrotherapy 3. Telemetry to allow for the patient to accomplish her birth plan 4. External EFM to make sure that there is continuous monitoring
ans 3 This is correct. Telemetry would allow for continuous monitoring while allowing patients free movement and the ability to use hydrotherapy.
1. A nurse-preceptor is explaining to a new nurse about the tocodynamometer. The new nurse is looking at the EFM paper and sees that, of the two tracked heart rates, the one on the bottom is in the 80s; she is concerned that the fetal heart rate is bradycardic. Which of the following should the nurse do first? 1. Give the mother oxygen to increase the fetal heart rate. 2. Immediately call the provider into the room. 3. Check to make sure that the maternal radial pulse is being recorded correctly. 4. Adjust the monitor on the maternal abdomen.
ans 3 This is correct. The maternal heart rate is usually significantly lower than the fetal heart rate and is therefore tracked underneath the fetal heart rate. It is therefore important to check and make sure that the maternal heart rate is being tracked correctly before initiating any efforts for the fetus.
_ 3. An internal fetal monitor has been ordered for Chrissy, a 24-year-old G2P0010 at 38 weeks and 1 day gestation. Her medical history is significant for a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Her laboratory values are as follows: H/H 11/30, O negative, RPR negative, GBS positive. Based on Chrissy's history and presentation, what action should the nurse take next? 1. Prepare Chrissy for the placement of an internal monitor. 2. Take the required two blood pressure readings every 15 minutes prior to insertion of the internal fetal monitor due to her pregnancy-induced hypertension. 3. Discuss with the health care provider the fact that Chrissy's blood type is O negative and she should therefore receive Rhogam before insertion of an internal monitor. 4. Discuss with the health care provider that Chrissy is GBS positive and therefore should not receive an internal monitor.
ans 4 This is correct. GBS positivity is a contraindication to the placement of an internal monitor.
12. The EFM tracing shows the following: FHR baseline 166 bpm, moderate variability, and recurrent late decelerations to 100 bpm. Using the five-tier FHR interpretation system, how should the nurse interpret this tracing? 1. Green: very low risk of evolution, no action 2. Red: unacceptably high risk of acidemia, deliver 3. Yellow: moderate risk of evolution, increase surveillance 4. Orange: acceptable low risk of acidemia, prepare for possible urgent delivery
ans 4 This is correct. Based on the five-tier FHR interpretation system, this tracing is classified as orange, which means there is an acceptable low risk of acidemia and the nurse should prepare for possible urgent delivery.
13. The nurse is monitoring a patient when the EFM strip conveys fetal bradycardia. Which action would be the most urgent for the nurse to take? 1. Check the patient's input and output. 2. Take a blood pressure to determine if the mother has hypotension. 3. Change the mother's position from supine to left lateral. 4. Check the mother for vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain.
ans 4 This is correct. Placental abruption is a possible cause of fetal bradycardia and is an emergency.
6. The nurse is explaining telemetry to the patient, who has just begun active labor. The patient would like to have a labor in which she is mobile, able to change positions, and use hydrotherapy. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? 1. "Telemetry is used mostly for women who are laboring in bed and changing positions every half hour or so." 2. "Unfortunately, you will not be able to use the shower while using telemetry." 3. "The nurses will need to come in and check your telemetry reading every half hour." 4. "We can start using telemetry now, and if there are no problems with the signal, we can continue it throughout your labor until delivery."
ans 4 This is correct. Telemetry can be used in all phases of labor.
9. The nurse-educator is instructing on the physiology of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns. He is showing the students an EFM strip, and there is a tracing that is classified as baseline 140 bpm, moderate variability, accelerations, and 2 decelerations. A half hour later the baseline is 150 bpm, there is minimal variability, accelerations, and 3 decelerations. Which of these findings would the nurse attribute to the parasympathetic nervous system? 1. The baseline changes from 140 bpm to 150 bpm. 2. The change from moderate variability to minimal variability. 3. The consistent presence of accelerations. 4. The presence of 2 and then 3 decelerations.
ans 4 This is correct. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing the FHR and maintaining variability.
_ 7. The obstetric nurse is managing her patients while covering for another nurse who is on a break. Which patient is the lowest priority? 1. A patient with a previous cesarean section 2. A patient with an epidural in place 3. A patient with decreased fetal activity 4. A patient with Category I FHR tracings
ans 4 This is correct. This patient is low risk.
