T3 Fetal Assessment during Labor

• What does a Tocotransducer measure?

  Duration and frequency of contractions.
• Does a Tocotransducer measure intensity or strength of contractions?

  No.
• What medication can cause fetal bradycardia?

  Magnesium sulfate infusions.
• What is minimal variability?

  Fluctuation of 1 - 5 bpm.
• What is moderate variability?

  Fluctuation of 6 - 25 bpm.
• What is marked variability?

  Fluctuation greater than 25 bpm.
• What causes early decelerations?

  Head compression.
• What do you do for early decelerations?

  Document and continue to monitor.
• What cause variable decelerations?

  Umbilical cord compression.
• What are characteristics of variable decelerations?

  Abrupt onset and recovery, may or may not respond with contractions, requires intervention.
• What are basic interventions for abnormal fetal heart rate patterns?

  Position changes to left side lying, oxygen administration with non rebreather at 10 L, IV fluid rate increased.
• What would be given for uterine tachysystole?

  Terbutaline and reduce or stop oxytocin.
• What should be done with abnormal fetal heart rate patterns during the second stage of labor?

  • Use open glottis pushing if preferred by woman
  • Use fewer pushing efforts during each contraction
  • Make individual pushing efforts shorter
  • Push only with every other or every third contraction
• What does the acronym for POISON mean for fetal heart rate patterns?

  • Position change
  • Oxygen
  • Increase IV rate
  • Sterile Vaginal exam
  • Oxytocin off
  • Notify provider
• What are amnioinfusions used for?

  Oligohydramnios or recurrent variable decelerations.
• How is an amnioinfusion done?

  Fluid is infused into the uterus to cushion the umbilical cord.
• What temperature should the amnioinfusion be?

  Warm or room temperature.
• How can the amnioinfusion be delivered?

  Gravity or infusion pump.
• What is the max infusion rate for amnioinfusion?

  1000 mL.
• How can you warm amnioinfusion fluid?

  Blood warmer.
• How should resting tone be during amnioinfusion?

  Higher but should not exceed 40 mmHg.
• How does an ultrasound transducer work?

  Reflects sound waves to provide a visual representation of the fetal heart rate.