Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring During Labor Flashcards
contradictions for fetal scalp electrodes:
shouldn’t be used if mother has communicable disease, such a HIV, or with preterm infants
Category 1 FHT
Normal - FHR 110-160 with moderate variability. There may be early decelerations but no late or variable.
Category 2 FHT
Indeterminate - Variability may be minimal or marked. Variability without recurrent decelerations may be present. Accelerations after fetal stimulation may be absent. Decelerations may be prolonged, variable and recurrent late with only moderate variability. Date is insufficient to categorize as normal or to assume abnormal acid base status.
CAT 3 FHT
Abnormal - There is no variability in FHR with recurrent late decelerations, recurrent variable decelerations, or bradycardia. A sinusoidal pattern may be noted. This category predicts abnormal acid base status
what can cause fetal tachycardia?
early fetal hypoxia, prematurity, medications such a terbutaline, fetal infection, maternal fever, maternal anxiety
what is definition of fetal tachycardia?
above 160bpm for 10 mins or greater (if less then its usually not significant)
what is the definition of fetal bradycardia?
less then 120 for more then 10 mins, severe is less then 80 Bpm. Bradycardia is usually not significant but may indicate heart block or placenta abruptio. Contractions can slow heart. Epidural or IV medications such as narcotics and oxytocin can cause decreased heart rate.
absent variability?
not detect - flat line
minimal variability?
less then 5bpm
moderate variability?
6-25bpm
mark variability?
greater then 25 bpm
accelerations that accompany contractions…
may be related to compression of the umbilical cord indicating low amniotic fluid or dangerous cord compression
early decelerations?
-caused by head compression
-wave is uniform and with onset or just before the onset on contraction. the lowest BPM is at the midpoint of the contraction, it mirrors the contraction. may be occ or repeat
late deceleration?
-caused by the compression of vessels and uteroplacental insufficiency. Waveform is uniform with shape refluxing contraction. Onset is late in the contraction and the lowest bpm is after the midpoint of the contraction. may be occ, consistent or repetitive.
variable decelerations?
-cause by cord compression
-wave form is variable, with sharp drops and increases. Onset is abrupt and not related to contraction, lowest BPM is around the midpoint of contraction. Maybe occ or repetitive, repetitive indicate fetal distress
