Fetal Heart Rate Decelerations

Introduction

• Presenter: Sarah from Registered Nurse RN.com
• Subject: Fetal heart rate decelerations
• Importance: Essential for maternity classes and NCLEX exams
• Resource: Visit RegisteredNurseRN.com for quizzes and resources

Types of Fetal Heart Rate Decelerations

1. Early Decelerations

   • Characteristics: Heart rate dips slightly during a contraction.
   • Cause: Compression against the pelvis or cervix during contraction.
   • Heart Rate: Remains within normal range (120-160 bpm).
   • Intervention: None required, considered normal.
   • Key Point: Mirrors contractions, heart rate dips and recovers with contractions.

2. Late Decelerations

   • Characteristics: Heart rate dips after the contraction ends.
   • Cause: Utero-placental insufficiency.
   • Heart Rate Pattern: Delay in response to contractions.
   • Intervention: Required as it is non-reassuring.
   • Key Point: Use ‘U’ for utero-placental insufficiency to remember late decelerations.

3. Variable Decelerations

   • Characteristics: Irregular and sporadic dips in heart rate.
   • Cause: Cord compression (e.g., prolapsed cord, around the neck).
   • Heart Rate Pattern: Varies greatly and forms 'V' shapes on tracings.
   • Intervention: Required, not a normal pattern.
   • Key Point: Look for ‘V’ shapes for variable decelerations due to cord issues.

Understanding the Tracings

• Top Line: Fetal heart rate (normal: 110-160 bpm)OB Book range
• Bottom Line: Mother’s contractions (measured in mmHg)
• Correlation: Shows how the baby's heart rate responds to contractions.

Summary

• Normal Deceleration: Early (no intervention needed)
• Intervention Needed: Late and Variable decelerations
• Test Preparation: Understand causes and patterns for exams

Resources

• Website: Take quizzes on fetal heart rate decelerations and other nursing topics at RegisteredNurseRN.com
• Quizzes Available: NCLEX, dosage calculations, personality quizzes

Conclusion

• Review and practice using available resources to prepare for exams.
• Call to Action: Test your knowledge by taking quizzes on the topic.