Fetal Monitoring & Assessment Flashcards

A sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern is most commonly associated with:

Answer: Severe fetal anemia or hypoxia

A sinusoidal pattern — a smooth, regular, sine wave-like FHR — is an ominous finding strongly associated with severe fetal anemia or hypoxia requiring urgent evaluation.

The contraction stress test (CST) assesses the fetal response to:

Answer: Simulated or oxytocin-induced uterine contractions

The CST evaluates uteroplacental reserve by observing FHR changes in response to contractions induced by nipple stimulation or low-dose oxytocin.

Which maternal position is recommended first when late decelerations are observed to improve fetal oxygenation?

Answer: Left lateral decubitus

The left lateral decubitus position relieves aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus, improving maternal cardiac output and uteroplacental blood flow.

FHR accelerations during fetal monitoring indicate:

Answer: Fetal well-being and adequate oxygenation

Accelerations are the hallmark of a reactive NST and confirm that the fetal nervous system is intact and the fetus is well-oxygenated.

A BPP score of 6/10 at 38 weeks gestation is best interpreted as:

Answer: Equivocal — further evaluation or delivery may be indicated

A score of 6/10 is equivocal and requires clinical decision-making based on gestational age and maternal factors; delivery is often recommended at term.

Prolonged FHR decelerations are defined as a decrease of ≥15 bpm below baseline lasting:

Answer: 2 to 10 minutes

Prolonged decelerations last 2–10 minutes; a deceleration lasting more than 10 minutes is reclassified as a baseline change requiring urgent evaluation.

During active labor in a low-risk pregnancy, intermittent auscultation of the FHR should be performed at minimum every:

Answer: 15–30 minutes

ACOG recommends auscultating FHR every 15–30 minutes during the active phase of the first stage of labor in low-risk pregnancies.