The laboring patient's fetal heart rate baseline is 120 beats per minute. Accelerations are present to 135 beats/min. During contractions, the fetal heart rate gradually slows to 110, and is at 120 by the end of the contraction. What nursing action is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fetal heart rate is within normal range (110-160 beats/min), with present accelerations indicating fetal well-being. The gradual slowing of the heart rate during contractions (early decelerations) is a normal finding and does not require any specific interventions. Documenting the fetal heart rate is the appropriate nursing action in this situation. Oxygen and Fowler's position are not indicated for this fetal heart rate pattern, and there is no indication of imminent delivery.

The Laboring Patient's Fetal Heart Rate Baseline Is 120 Beats