What is an advantage of external electronic fetal monitoring? ...

[jman1234]

What is an advantage of external electronic fetal monitoring?
 
  a. The ultrasound transducer can accurately measure short-term variability and beat-to-beat changes in the fetal heart rate.
  b. The tocotransducer can measure and record the frequency, regularity, intensity, and approximate duration of uterine contractions (UCs).
  c. The tocotransducer is especially valuable for measuring uterine activity during the first stage of labor.
  d. Once correctly applied by the nurse, the transducer need not be repositioned even when the woman changes positions.

Question 2

When using intermittent auscultation (IA) to assess uterine activity, the nurse should be cognizant that:
 
  a. The examiner's hand should be placed over the fundus before, during, and after contractions.
  b. The frequency and duration of contractions is measured in seconds for consistency.
  c. Contraction intensity is given a judgment number of 1 to 7 by the nurse and client together.
  d. The resting tone between contractions is described as either placid or turbulent.

[lauravaras]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The tocotransducer is especially valuable for measuring uterine activity during the first stage of labor, particularly when the membranes are intact. Short-term changes cannot be measured with this technology. The tocotransducer cannot measure and record the intensity of UCs. The transducer must be repositioned when the woman or fetus changes position.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The assessment is done by palpation; duration, frequency, intensity, and resting tone must be assessed. The duration of contractions is measured in seconds; the frequency is measured in minutes. The intensity of contractions usually is described as mild, moderate, or strong. The resting tone usually is characterized as soft or relaxed.