EFM EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring Documentation and Communication Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A nurse documents 'late decelerations noted, physician notified at 0320, no new orders received.' What is the NEXT most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Activate the chain of command by notifying the charge nurse or supervisor

Answer

Wait 30 minutes and re-notify the physician

Answer

Discontinue EFM and switch to intermittent auscultation

Answer

Document that the situation resolved spontaneously

Question 2

Which element is MOST critical to include when documenting a scalp stimulation test in the medical record?

Accepted Answer

Fetal heart rate response (acceleration present or absent)

Answer

The nurse's name and credentials only

Answer

The maternal blood pressure at the time of the test

Answer

Whether the patient consented verbally

Question 3

In EFM documentation, what does the term 'recurrent' decelerations mean?

Accepted Answer

Occurring with ≥50% of uterine contractions in any 20-minute window

Answer

Occurring at least once per hour

Answer

Occurring three or more times in a row

Answer

Occurring only during the second stage of labor

Question 4

What is the recommended approach when a portion of the EFM strip is unreadable due to artifact?

Accepted Answer

Document the artifact, describe maternal and fetal status at the time, and note corrective measures taken

Answer

Discard that portion of the strip and note it was uninformative

Answer

Restart the monitor without any documentation

Answer

Mark the strip as Category I to avoid liability

Question 5

When using closed-loop communication during a fetal emergency, the person receiving an order should:

Accepted Answer

Repeat the order back aloud and receive confirmation before executing

Answer

Silently confirm and proceed immediately without feedback

Answer

Write the order down and verify after the emergency

Answer

Delegate confirmation to the charge nurse

Question 6

How long must EFM paper strips be retained per standard US hospital accreditation requirements?

Accepted Answer

As part of the permanent medical record per state law, typically 7–10 years or longer

Answer

Only until the patient is discharged

Answer

For a minimum of 30 days post-delivery

Answer

Until the infant reaches age 18, in all states