EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring Fetal Monitoring Equipment Technology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A laboring patient with a high BMI is having frequent periods of fetal heart rate signal loss with an external ultrasound transducer.
Which of the following actions is MOST appropriate to obtain a more accurate and continuous fetal heart rate tracing?

Accepted Answer

Apply a fetal scalp electrode (FSE), assuming there are no contraindications.

Answer

Increase the amount of ultrasound gel and readjust the belt.

Answer

Reposition the patient onto her left side.

Answer

Administer a fluid bolus to the mother.

Question 2

The tocodynamometer is correctly placed on the maternal abdomen to measure uterine contractions. What aspect of uterine activity does this external device measure LEAST accurately?

Accepted Answer

Intensity

Answer

Frequency

Answer

Duration

Answer

Resting tone

Question 3

An ultrasound transducer used for external fetal monitoring functions based on which technological principle?

Accepted Answer

Doppler effect

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging

Answer

Electrocautery

Answer

Bioelectrical impedance

Question 4

While troubleshooting an erratic fetal heart rate tracing from a fetal scalp electrode (FSE), the nurse observes a regular, repeating artifact on the monitor strip that corresponds with a 60-cycle pattern. What is the most likely source of this interference?

Accepted Answer

Electrical interference from other equipment

Answer

Maternal movement

Answer

Fetal hiccups

Answer

Improper FSE attachment

Question 5

For internal monitoring of uterine contractions, an Intrauterine Pressure Catheter (IUPC) is inserted. Which of the following is a prerequisite for its placement?

Accepted Answer

The amniotic membranes must be ruptured.

Answer

The fetus must be in a vertex presentation.

Answer

The patient must have an epidural in place.

Answer

The cervix must be fully dilated.

Question 6

Which of the following describes the signal processing function of an external fetal monitor when calculating the fetal heart rate from the Doppler ultrasound signal?

Accepted Answer

It uses autocorrelation to detect the periodic signal of the fetal heart.

Answer

It directly measures the R-R interval of the fetal ECG.

Answer

It counts the number of uterine contractions over ten minutes.

Answer

It measures the electrical potential of the maternal abdominal muscles.