Maternal and Fetal Assessment Techniques document study guide verified 100%

Maternal and Fetal Assessment Techniques document study guide verified 100% Intrapartum Fetal Surveillance - Fetal surveillance is used to: -Identify signs associated with fetal well-being and how the fetus is tolerating labor. -Identify hypoxic insult and signs associated with fetal compromise. Fetal Oxygenation is Influence by - 1.Normal maternal blood flow & volume to the placenta (Maternal Heart, Vasculature, Uterus, Placenta, Cord) 2.Normal oxygen saturation in maternal blood (Maternal Lungs) 3.Adequate exchange of oxygen & carbon dioxide in the placenta (Placenta) 4.An open circulatory path between the placenta & the fetus through vessels in the umbilical cord (AVA) (Cord) 5.Normal fetal circulatory and oxygen-carrying functions (Fetal Heart) Pathologic Influences on Fetal Oxygenation - Maternal Cardiopulmonary Alterations •Maternal Hemorrhage leading to Maternal Hypotension •Supine hypotension (compression of the vena cave & the aorta) •Maternal hypertension (gestational hypertension) •Lowered oxygen level in the mother's blood (maternal anemia) Uterine Activity •Placental disruptions (hypertonic contractions, abuptio placentae) Fetal Alterations that interrupt the blood flow in the umbilical cord: •Nuchal cord (around fetal neck), or the cord entangled between the fetal body parts •Knot in the umbilical cord •Oligohydramnios (lower than normal amounts of amniotic fluid volume) •Inadequate Wharton's jelly (this is the substance that cushions the umbilical cord) Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring - Auscultation and Palpation: Allows for intermittent monitoring of the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern •Equipment: -Fetoscope -Doppler ultrasound transducer Electronic Fetal Monitoring: Allows for continuous fetal heart rate and contraction pattern •*Allows for Remote Surveillance* *The Fetal Heart Rate is heard best over the upper portion of the fetal back. The upper fetal back is usually the closest surface to the maternal abdomen.* Leopold's Maneuvers - Systematic assessment to determine presentation & position of the fetus This information helps to aid in location of the fetal heart sounds. Electronic Fetal Monitoring System: External and Internal Monitors - External Monitor: Ultrasound Transducer: Measures the Fetal Heart Rate Tocotransducer (toco): Measures the Contraction Pattern Internal Monitor: Internal Scalp