FETAL MONITORING, 2025/2026
WITH CORRECT/ACCURATE
ANSWERS
What is an arrhythmia? - CORRECT ANSWERS- - the sporadic,
irregular beats typical of the frequent fetal events heard or
recorded on the tracing
- When there is a disturbance in the heart cell's ability to form and
discharge an impulse independently (automaticity & excitability),
cardiac rhythm may become tachycardic, bradycardic, or irregular
with ectopic beats or premature rhythms such as premature atrial
contractions.
How are arrythmias categorized? - CORRECT ANSWERS- - based
upon the anatomical site of variant impulse formation,
conduction, or a combination of both
What is the prognosis regarding arryhtmias? - CORRECT
ANSWERS- - Most are benign and require no intervention
- Most will convert to a normal sinus rhythm after birth
Where does the electrical impulse that governs heart rate and
rhythm originate? - CORRECT ANSWERS- in the SA Node located
in the right atrium
, Where does the electrical impulse that governs heart rate and
rhythm spread from the SA node? - CORRECT ANSWERS-
downward to the atrioventricular (AV) node, the bundle of His, &
the Purkinje fibers
What are some causes of arythmias? - CORRECT ANSWERS- -
99% disappear shortly after birth & pose no long term
consequences
- Most of the patterns are premature beats
- Most are benign
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Congenital malformations of the heart
- Infection
- Acidosis
- Hydrops fetalis
What are characteristics of a dysrhythmia on an FHR strip? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- - Irregular but organized pattern
- Excursions can be either below or above the
baseline and look like "hatch marks"
What interventions are required if you see a dysrhythmia? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- - If the monitor has a logic switch, turn it to
the off position