Fetal Monitoring
What is the normal baseline fetal heart rate?
110-160
What is the normal length of a full-term pregnancy?
37–42 weeks gestation
A new mother asks you why her newborn's stool is black. What do you tell her?
This is a normal baby stool and it is called meconium.
What does "effacement" refer to?
Thinning of the cervix
What medication is commonly used to induce labor?
Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Which fetal heart rate pattern is associated with umbilical cord compression?
Variable decelerations
A woman is pregnant for the third time and has delivered two previous babies at term. What is her gravida and para?
G3 P2
What medication is routinely administered to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn?
Vitamin K
What station indicates the fetal head is at the level of the ischial spines?
Zero Station
What medication is used for initiation and/or continuation of cervical ripening in patients near term where there is an indication to induce labor.
Cervidil (Dinoprostone)
Early decelerations are usually caused by what?
Fetal head compression
January 15
What is the purpose of erythromycin eye ointment?
Prevention of neonatal ophthalmia
Which fetal position is most favorable for vaginal delivery?
Occiput anterior (OA)
What medication is commonly used to mature fetal lungs before preterm birth?
Betamethasone
Late decelerations are associated with what condition?
Uteroplacental insufficiency
At what gestational age are fetal movements (quickening) typically first felt?
Around 16–20 weeks.
The body of the newborn is pink but the hands and feet remain blue. What is this called?
Acrocyanosis
A pregnant patient in active labor reports increasing pelvic pressure and a strong urge to push. The nurse assesses the cervix and finds it 10 cm dilated and 100% effaced. This indicates the patient has reached which stage of labor?
The second stage of labor
At approximately what gestational age is RhoGAM routinely administered?
Around 28 weeks
Name three nursing interventions for recurrent late decelerations.
Reposition the patient
Discontinue oxytocin
Administer oxygen
Increase IV fluids
Notify the provider.
Explain each letter in the acronym GTPAL
G – Gravida
T – Term births
P – Preterm births
A – Abortions / Miscarriages
L – Living children
What APGAR components are evaluated?
Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration
A laboring patient’s fetal heart rate tracing shows early decelerations that mirror contractions. This finding is most associated with what complication?
Fetal head compression
A pregnant patient has an abnormal 1-hour glucose challenge test and is scheduled for a 3-hour OGTT. The nurse explains that the patient will have blood glucose levels checked at fasting, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours.
What is the nurse primarily looking for in these results?
Elevated glucose levels at two or more time points, which can indicate gestational diabetes.