Obstetric Nurse Test Obstetric Nurse Intrapartum Fetal Monitoring 2

Question 1

A fetal heart rate tracing shows a sinusoidal pattern persisting for 20 minutes. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Severe fetal anemia or hypoxia

Answer

A true sinusoidal pattern lasting ≥20 minutes is associated with severe fetal anemia (e.g., Rh isoimmunization) or hypoxia and requires immediate evaluation.

Question 2

During active labor, the fetal heart rate baseline is 175 bpm for 15 minutes with moderate variability and accelerations. How should the nurse classify this?

Accepted Answer

Category II — indeterminate due to tachycardia

Answer

Tachycardia (>160 bpm) with otherwise reassuring features places the tracing in Category II, requiring continued evaluation and investigation of the cause.

Question 3

What is the primary physiologic mechanism responsible for early decelerations during labor?

Accepted Answer

Vagal response to head compression during contractions

Answer

Early decelerations result from vagal stimulation caused by fetal head compression against the cervix or pelvis during contractions.

Question 4

A gravida presents with uterine contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds each. The FHR shows late decelerations after each contraction. What condition does this uterine pattern suggest?

Accepted Answer

Uterine hyperstimulation (tachysystole)

Answer

Tachysystole is defined as more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes averaged over 30 minutes, and prolonged contractions reduce placental perfusion, causing late decelerations.

Question 5

Which intervention is the FIRST priority when variable decelerations are identified on the fetal monitor?

Accepted Answer

Change maternal position to relieve cord compression

Answer

Position change (lateral, Trendelenburg, or knee-chest) is the first intrauterine resuscitation step to relieve suspected umbilical cord compression causing variable decelerations.

Obstetric Nurse Test Practice Test

Obstetric Nurse Test Practice Test

Obstetric Nurse Test Obstetric Nurse Intrapartum Fetal Monitoring 2