The fetal heart rate baseline increases 20 bpm after ...

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The fetal heart rate baseline increases 20 bpm after vibroacoustic stimulation. The best interpretation of this is that the fetus is showing:
 
  a. a worsening hypoxia.
  b. progressive acidosis.
  c. a reassuring response.
  d. parasympathetic stimulation.

Question 2

In which situation would a baseline fetal heart rate of 160 to 170 bpm be considered a normal finding?
 
  a. The fetus is at 30 weeks of gestation.
  b. The mother has a history of fast labors.
  c. The mother has been given an epidural block.
  d. The mother has mild preeclampsia but is not in labor.

[frankwu0507]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The fetus with adequate reserve for the stress of labor will usually respond to vibroacoustic stimulation with a temporary increase in the fetal heart rate (FHR) baseline. An increase in the FHR with stimulation does not indicate hypoxia. An increase in the FHR after stimulation is reassuring and does not indicate acidosis. An increase in the FHR after stimulation is a reassuring pattern and does not indicate problems with the parasympathetic nervous system.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The normal preterm fetus may have a baseline rate slightly higher than the term fetus because of an immature parasympathetic nervous system that does not yet exert a slowing effect on the fetal heart rate (FHR). Fast labors should not alter the FHR normally. Any change in the FHR with an epidural is not considered an expected outcome. Preeclampsia should not cause a normal elevation of the FHR.

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TYSM

[bdobbins]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it