CMA Fetal Monitoring & Assessment

Question 1

What is the normal baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) range according to NICHD guidelines?

Accepted Answer

110–160 bpm

Answer

The normal baseline FHR is 110–160 bpm; values outside this range indicate bradycardia or tachycardia requiring further evaluation.

Question 2

Which device uses Doppler ultrasound to detect fetal heart movement at the bedside?

Accepted Answer

Handheld Doppler (Doppler fetoscope)

Answer

A handheld Doppler device emits and receives ultrasound waves to detect fetal cardiac movement, making it the standard bedside tool.

Question 3

A non-stress test (NST) primarily evaluates fetal well-being by assessing:

Accepted Answer

FHR accelerations associated with fetal movement

Answer

An NST is reactive when fetal movement triggers FHR accelerations, indicating an intact autonomic nervous system and adequate oxygenation.

Question 4

For a full-term pregnancy, a reactive NST requires at least how many accelerations within 20 minutes?

Accepted Answer

2 accelerations of 15 bpm lasting 15 seconds

Answer

A reactive NST at ≥32 weeks requires at least 2 accelerations of ≥15 bpm above baseline, each lasting ≥15 seconds, within a 20-minute window.

Question 5

Which assessment is considered the gold standard for evaluating fetal acid-base status intrapartum?

Accepted Answer

Fetal scalp blood sampling

Answer

Fetal scalp blood sampling directly measures fetal pH and lactate, providing the most accurate assessment of fetal acid-base status.

CMA - Certified Midwife Assistant Practice Test