Fetal Monitoring: Principles and Techniques for Nurses

Question 1

What is a characteristic of a non-reactive non-stress test?

Accepted Answer

No accelerations present with fetal movement

Answer

Accelerations present with fetal movement

Answer

Variable decelerations present

Question 2

In a non-stress test (NST), which finding indicates a non-reactive pattern?

Accepted Answer

No accelerations present with fetal movement

Answer

Accelerations present with fetal movement

Answer

Accelerations present without fetal movement

Answer

No accelerations or decelerations present

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a recognized fetal monitoring technique used during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Amniocentesis

Answer

Non-stress test

Answer

Biophysical profile

Answer

Doppler ultrasound

Question 4

In fetal heart rate monitoring, which parameter is the primary indicator of fetal well-being?

Accepted Answer

Baseline variability

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Accelerations

Question 5

When prolonged decelerations are observed in fetal heart rate monitoring, which intervention takes the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Prepare for emergency delivery

Answer

Increase maternal fluids

Answer

Position the mother on her side

Answer

Administer oxygen

Question 6

Which of the following is a potential limitation of non-stress tests in fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

May not detect all instances of fetal distress

Answer

Can be performed anytime during pregnancy

Answer

Provides real-time assessment of fetal well-being

Answer

Requires specialized equipment

Question 7

What is the primary purpose and focus of a biophysical profile in fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To assess fetal activity, breathing, and amniotic fluid volume

Answer

To assess fetal heart rate variability

Answer

To detect fetal anomalies

Answer

To predict preterm labor

Question 8

What is the clinical significance and interpretation of absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery during Doppler ultrasound monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Indicative of severe fetal distress

Answer

Mild fetal distress

Answer

Normal finding

Answer

Cannot be determined without additional information

Question 9

In the event of an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern, what is the most immediate and appropriate action to take?

Accepted Answer

Call for help

Answer

Reassure the mother

Answer

Perform a vaginal exam

Answer

Administer oxygen

Question 10

Which of the following is a parameter used in a non-stress test (NST) to assess fetal well-being?

Accepted Answer

Fetal heart rate accelerations

Answer

Uterine contractions

Answer

Amniotic fluid volume

Answer

Cervical dilation

Question 11

A biophysical profile (BPP) score of 10 indicates that:

Accepted Answer

All fetal parameters are assessed as normal

Answer

One or two fetal parameters are assessed as abnormal

Answer

Three or four fetal parameters are assessed as abnormal

Answer

All fetal parameters are assessed as abnormal

Question 12

A fetal heart rate baseline that is consistently below 110 bpm for more than 90 minutes is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Normal

Answer

Unsatisfactory

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential cause of late decelerations on a fetal heart rate monitor?

Accepted Answer

Fetal hypoxia

Answer

Maternal hypotension

Answer

Uterine contractions

Answer

Fetal sleep

Question 14

The main purpose of a contraction stress test (CST) is to:

Accepted Answer

Evaluate the fetal heart rate response to uterine contractions

Answer

Assess amniotic fluid volume

Answer

Detect cervical dilation

Answer

Monitor fetal blood flow

Question 15

The optimal time to perform a non-stress test (NST) during pregnancy is:

Accepted Answer

32-36 weeks of gestation

Answer

16-20 weeks of gestation

Answer

24-28 weeks of gestation

Answer

37-41 weeks of gestation

Question 16

The primary goal of fetal monitoring is to:

Accepted Answer

Detect potential fetal distress and intervene appropriately

Answer

Predict the timing of labor

Answer

Assess maternal well-being

Answer

Determine the gestational age of the fetus

Question 17

A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation has a normal pregnancy history so far. Her non-stress test result is non-reactive. What is the best next step in her care?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a biophysical profile within 24 hours.

Answer

Perform a cesarean section immediately.

Answer

Repeat the non-stress test in 1 week.

Answer

Discharge the patient and schedule a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks.

Question 18

In non-stress tests, what parameter serves as the primary indicator of fetal well-being?

Accepted Answer

Fetal heart rate response to movements

Answer

Frequency of uterine contractions

Answer

Quantity of amniotic fluid

Answer

Placental blood flow resistance

Question 19

In a non-stress test, which finding would NOT necessitate immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

A reactive fetal heart rate pattern

Answer

Severe variable decelerations that occur repeatedly

Answer

Consistent lack of fetal heart rate response

Answer

Signs of maternal pre-eclampsia

Question 20

Which is NOT considered a limitation associated with fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Proven improvement in overall fetal health outcomes

Answer

Difficulty in detecting all instances of fetal distress

Answer

Possibility of triggering unnecessary interventions

Answer

Potential to create a false sense of assurance

Question 21

During labor, what is the most commonly observed type of uterine contraction pattern?

Accepted Answer

Multiphasic contractions

Answer

Braxton-Hicks contractions

Answer

Tonic contractions

Answer

Clonic contractions

Question 22

A biophysical profile assesses fetal well-being. Which of the following components are included in a biophysical profile?

Accepted Answer

Fetal breathing, body movements, muscle tone, amniotic fluid volume, and a non-stress test

Answer

Fetal heart rate patterns only

Answer

Congenital anomalies

Question 23

Which of the following is a limitation of non-stress tests?

Accepted Answer

It cannot provide real-time assessment of fetal oxygen levels.

Answer

It is not widely available.

Answer

It is only recommended for low-risk pregnancies.

Answer

It requires extensive training to interpret.

Question 24

Which of the following parameters is included in a biophysical profile?

Accepted Answer

Fetal breathing, fetal movement, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and placental grading.

Answer

Gestational age, fetal weight, and fetal gender

Answer

Maternal blood pressure, fetal heart rate, and uterine contractions

Answer

Cervical dilation, fetal position, and maternal temperature

Question 25

What is one of the main purposes of Doppler ultrasound in fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To measure the velocity of blood flow in the fetal vessels, providing information about fetal circulation and oxygenation.

Answer

To detect fetal anomalies, such as heart defects or skeletal abnormalities.

Answer

To create a three-dimensional image of the fetus.

Answer

To determine the fetal position and presentation.

Question 26

What is the primary reason for performing fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To assess fetal well-being by evaluating parameters such as fetal heart rate, fetal movement, and amniotic fluid.

Answer

To detect fetal anomalies.

Answer

To predict the duration of labor.

Answer

To determine the gestational age of the fetus.

Question 27

What is the optimal duration of a reactive non-stress test?

Accepted Answer

20-30 minutes. A non-reactive test may require a longer duration.

Answer

45-60 minutes.

Answer

10-15 minutes.

Answer

Varies depending on fetal activity.

Question 28

Which type of fetal heart rate deceleration is most commonly associated with fetal hypoxia?

Accepted Answer

Late decelerations.

Answer

Early decelerations.

Answer

Prolonged decelerations.

Answer

Variable decelerations.

Question 29

Which of the following is considered a late fetal heart rate deceleration?

Accepted Answer

A gradual decrease in fetal heart rate that begins after the peak of a contraction and persists for more than 2 minutes after the contraction ends.

Answer

A decrease in fetal heart rate that is unrelated to uterine contractions and persists for more than 10 minutes.

Answer

An abrupt drop in fetal heart rate that follows the onset of a contraction and returns to baseline within 30 seconds.

Answer

A brief, transient decrease in fetal heart rate that occurs with each contraction, usually returning to baseline within 30 seconds.

Question 30

What is the primary purpose of a biophysical profile?

Accepted Answer

To assess fetal well-being by examining fetal movement, tone, breathing, and amniotic fluid volume.

Answer

To determine fetal position and presentation.

Answer

To confirm fetal viability early in pregnancy.

Question 31

Reduced fetal heart rate variability can be an indication of:

Accepted Answer

Fetal distress, such as hypoxia or acidosis.

Answer

A normal finding in late pregnancy.

Answer

Increased fetal activity.

Question 32

The primary purpose of an amniocentesis is to:

Accepted Answer

Obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for genetic testing or fetal lung maturity assessment.

Answer

Determine fetal position and presentation.

Answer

Monitor fetal heart rate.

Question 33

Fetal monitoring strips are used in obstetrical care primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Monitor fetal well-being, detect potential complications, and guide clinical decision-making.

Answer

Diagnose fetal anomalies.

Answer

Predict the onset of labor.

Question 34

Which of the following fetal heart rate patterns is considered an indication for immediate cesarean section?

Accepted Answer

Persistent fetal bradycardia below 110 bpm despite interventions.

Answer

Early decelerations

Answer

Accelerations

Answer

Variable decelerations

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT an indication for fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Elective induction of labor without medical indications

Answer

Preeclampsia

Answer

Intrauterine growth restriction

Answer

Maternal fever

Question 36

What is the normal range for the baseline fetal heart rate?

Accepted Answer

110-160 beats per minute (bpm)

Answer

90-140 bpm

Answer

120-170 bpm

Answer

100-150 bpm

Question 37

Which of the following fetal heart rate patterns is associated with fetal distress?

Accepted Answer

Late decelerations

Answer

Early decelerations

Answer

Variable decelerations

Answer

Periodic decelerations

Question 38

What is the purpose of a non-stress test?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate fetal well-being by assessing the fetal heart rate response to fetal movement

Answer

To detect fetal arrhythmias

Answer

To assess uterine contractions

Question 39

What is the purpose of Doppler ultrasound in fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To assess blood flow through the fetal and maternal circulations

Answer

To detect fetal heart defects

Answer

To visualize the fetus

Question 40

Which of the following is a limitation of fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

It cannot always predict fetal outcome with certainty

Answer

It is invasive

Answer

It is expensive

Answer

It is time-consuming

Question 41

What is the nurse's primary responsibility during fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the well-being of the mother and fetus

Answer

To interpret the fetal heart rate patterns independently

Answer

To operate the fetal monitoring equipment without assistance

Question 42

What is the importance of documenting fetal monitoring data?

Accepted Answer

To provide a record of the fetal well-being, trends, and to facilitate communication among healthcare providers

Answer

To meet regulatory requirements only

Question 43

Which fetal heart rate pattern is considered non-reactive?

Accepted Answer

Absent variability

Answer

Moderate variability

Answer

Minimal variability

Answer

Accelerations and decelerations

Question 44

A biophysical profile score of 10/10 indicates what level of fetal well-being?

Accepted Answer

Optimal

Answer

Abnormal

Answer

Intolerable

Answer

Suspect

Question 45

Which fetal heart rate pattern is associated with fetal hypoxia?

Accepted Answer

Late decelerations

Answer

Variable decelerations

Answer

Prolonged decelerations

Answer

Early decelerations

Question 46

What is the primary purpose of a non-stress test?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate fetal reactivity and well-being

Answer

To monitor uterine contractions

Answer

To identify fetal heart rate abnormalities

Question 47

Which ultrasound modality is specifically used to assess fetal blood flow?

Accepted Answer

Doppler ultrasound

Answer

Transabdominal ultrasound

Answer

3D ultrasound

Answer

Transvaginal ultrasound

Question 48

What is the primary purpose of performing a biophysical profile (BPP) in fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To assess fetal well-being and identify possible complications.

Answer

To determine the fetal gestational age.

Answer

To monitor the fetal heart rate pattern.

Question 49

What is the most likely cause of a variable deceleration in a fetal heart rate pattern?

Accepted Answer

Umbilical cord compression.

Answer

Maternal hypotension.

Answer

Fetal distress.

Answer

Amniotic fluid embolism.

Question 50

When is Doppler ultrasound commonly utilized in fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate fetal blood flow and placental function.

Answer

To assess fetal growth.

Answer

To detect fetal anomalies.

Answer

To determine fetal position.

Question 51

Which of the following actions should a nurse prioritize when encountering abnormal fetal monitoring results?

Accepted Answer

Promptly notify the healthcare provider.

Answer

Position the mother on her left side.

Answer

Administer oxygen to the mother.

Answer

Perform a vaginal examination.

Question 52

In a high-risk pregnancy, what is the recommended frequency for fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM).

Answer

Intermittent auscultation every 15 minutes.

Answer

Non-stress test once per week.

Answer

Biophysical profile every other day.

Question 53

What is a key element of the nurse's role in patient education regarding fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Explaining the purpose, benefits, and potential risks of the procedure.

Answer

Performing the fetal monitoring procedure.

Answer

Interpreting the fetal monitoring results.