NCLEX RN Practice Question # 559
NCLEX Examination.
Practice Question # 559.
Nclex
Fetal heart rate (FHR)
- FHR depends on gestational age; FHR is 160 to 170 beats/min in the first trimester, but slows with fetal growth to 120 to 160 beats/min near or at term.
- FHR is about twice the maternal heart rate.
FETAL MONITORING
Description
- The fetal monitor displays the fetal heart rate (FHR).
- The device monitors uterine activity.
- The monitor assesses frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions.
- The monitor assesses FHR in relation to maternal contractions.
- Baseline FHR is measured between contractions; the normal FHR at term is 120 to 160 beats/min.
External fetal monitoring
- External fetal monitoring is noninvasive and is performed using a tocotransducer or Doppler ultrasonic transducer.
- Leopold’s maneuvers are performed to determine on which side the fetal back is located, and the ultrasound transducer is placed over this area (fasten with a belt).
- The tocotransducer is placed over the fundus of the uterus where contractions feel the strongest (fasten with a belt).
- The client is allowed to assume a comfortable position, avoiding vena cava compression (maternal supine hypotensive syndrome).
- The preferred position is to have the client lie on her side to increase perfusion.