Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring + Terminology

Question 1

Variability

Answer 1

Fluctuation in HR

• Absent - BAD
• Marked - good or bad - depending on situation (ex: if giving labor that’s ok, if mom is taking a nap then variability shouldn’t be occurring)
• Moderate - normal, good amount of fluctuation

Question 2

Acceleration

Answer 2

Speeding up of FHR

These are good

Question 3

Deceleration

Answer 3

Slowing down of FHR

• Early - occur goes w/ contraction (d/t head compression)
• *Variable (SCARY) - occur same time w/ contractions - dramatic sharp drop in rate followed by a rebound form a V] (d/t cord compression = no blood/O2)
• *Late (SCARY) - occur after a contraction - HR slows down = EMERGENCY (d/t placental insufficiency)

Question 4

Reassuring

Answer 4

The baby looks healthy!

• Baseline: 110 - 160
• Moderate variability
• Accelerations

Question 5

Non-reassuring

Answer 5

Something is wrong with the baby

• Fetal tachycardia >160
• Fetal bradycardia <110
• Decreased/absent variability
• Variable/late decelerations

Question 6

VEAL CHOP

Answer 6

Variable*
Early
Acceleration
Late*

Cord compression*
Head compression
Okay
Placental insufficiency*

Question 7

LION PIT - Intervention for Non-reassuring FHR

Answer 7

Lay mother on left side
Increase IV fluids
Oxygen
Notify HCP

discontinue PITocin