Questions and Answers
What does fetal heart rate monitoring refer to?
the heartbeat of an unborn baby
During which circumstances is fetal heart rate monitoring conducted?
What is a normal fetal heart rate (FHT) range?
Fetal activity does not affect heart rate.
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Fundal height is the distance from the pubic bone to the ______.
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What are the purposes of measuring fundal height?
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Which of the following could cause fundal height to be greater than expected?
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To document fundal height, place the zero mark of the tape measure on the uppermost border of the ______.
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Study Notes
Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) Monitoring
- Refers to the heartbeat of an unborn baby, critical for assessing fetal well-being during pregnancy.
- FHT monitoring is essential in prenatal care, performed during routine check-ups and labor.
- Routine checks utilize handheld Doppler devices, while Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) is used in labor for continuous tracking.
Importance of FHT Monitoring
- Assesses fetal well-being: Normal heart rate (120-160 beats/min) indicates adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery.
- Evaluates labor progression: Changes in heart rate inform on the baby's tolerance to labor.
- Detects potential complications: Abnormal patterns may signal fetal distress, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Factors Affecting Fetal Heart Rate (FHR)
- Fetal activity increases heart rate during active periods.
- Maternal activity and contractions can influence FHR.
- Certain medications may alter the fetal heart rate.
- Fetal health issues, such as fetal distress or placental insufficiency, can result in abnormal heart patterns.
Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Techniques
- Normal fetal heart rate should be between 120-160 beats/min.
- Doppler: detectable at 10-12 weeks AOG (age of gestation).
- Fetoscope: usable from 20 weeks AOG.
- Stethoscope: effective from 18-20 weeks AOG.
- Technique includes placing the stethoscope on the abdomen, palpating the maternal pulse, and counting FHR for a full minute, while documenting and referring any abnormalities.
Fundal Height Measurement
- Defined as the distance from the pubic bone to the uterine fundus, measured in centimeters.
- Serves as a tool for gauging fetal growth and determining the age of gestation.
Fundal Height Deviations
- Greater than expected fundal height can be caused by:
- Multiple pregnancy
- Miscalculated due date
- Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid)
- Hydatidiform mole pregnancy
Fundal Height Measurement Procedure
- Position the zero mark of a tape measure at the upper boundary of the symphysis pubis.
- Extend the tape measure along the midline of the abdomen to the uterine fundus.
- Document the measurement in centimeters for assessment.
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Description
This quiz focuses on fetal heart rate monitoring, a critical aspect of prenatal care. Understanding fetal heart rate is vital for assessing the health of an unborn baby during pregnancy. It typically involves routine checks during prenatal visits to ensure the baby's well-being.
