EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring Uterine Activity Interpretation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A nurse is reviewing a 10-minute electronic fetal monitoring strip that shows seven contractions. According to NICHD guidelines, how should the uterine activity be characterized?

Accepted Answer

Tachysystole

Answer

Normal uterine activity

Answer

Uterine coupling

Answer

Hypertonus

Question 2

A patient has an intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) in place. Over a 10-minute period, there are four contractions. The peak pressures are 60, 65, 70, and 60 mm Hg, and the resting tone is 15 mm Hg. What are the calculated Montevideo Units (MVUs) for this period?

Accepted Answer

200 MVUs

Answer

255 MVUs

Answer

195 MVUs

Answer

270 MVUs

Question 3

When assessing uterine contraction intensity via manual palpation of the fundus, which finding corresponds to a 'strong' contraction?

Accepted Answer

The uterine wall cannot be easily indented by the examiner's fingertips.

Answer

The uterine wall feels soft, like the tip of the nose.

Answer

The uterine wall feels firm, like the chin.

Answer

The uterine wall remains firm for more than 2 minutes.

Question 4

A laboring patient's EFM tracing shows a pattern of two contractions occurring in rapid succession followed by a longer resting interval before the next pair. Which term best describes this uterine activity pattern?

Accepted Answer

Uterine coupling

Answer

Tachysystole

Answer

Hypertonus

Answer

Uterine irritability

Question 5

Which of the following is the primary purpose for measuring Montevideo Units (MVUs) with an Intrauterine Pressure Catheter (IUPC)?

Accepted Answer

To assess the adequacy of uterine power for labor progress

Answer

To determine the fetal response to contractions

Answer

To diagnose preterm labor

Answer

To calculate the frequency and duration of contractions

Question 6

What is considered the upper limit of normal for uterine resting tone as measured by an Intrauterine Pressure Catheter (IUPC) in a laboring patient?

Accepted Answer

25 mm Hg

Answer

5 mm Hg

Answer

10 mm Hg

Answer

15 mm Hg