A nurse is using vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) to stimulate fetal movement during a nonstress test (NST).
What action should the nurse take when applying VAS?
Place the device over the fetal back for 3 seconds
Hold the device firmly against the maternal abdomen for 10 seconds
Move the device around the maternal abdomen until fetal movement is detected
Apply the device intermittently over the fundus for 15 seconds
The Correct Answer is A
Place the device over the fetal back for 3 seconds. This is because vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) is the application of a vibratory sound stimulus to the abdomen of a pregnant woman to induce fetal heart rate (FHR) accelerations. The presence of FHR accelerations reliably predicts the absence of fetal metabolic acidemia. VAS is typically used during a nonstress test (NST) to assess fetal well-being. The device should be placed over the fetal back for 3 seconds, as this is the optimal duration and location to elicit a fetal response.
Choice B is wrong because holding the device firmly against the maternal abdomen for 10 seconds may be too long and too strong for the fetus, and may cause discomfort or distress.
Choice C is wrong because moving the device around the maternal abdomen until fetal movement is detected may not be effective or efficient, as the device may not reach the optimal location or duration to stimulate the fetus.
Choice D is wrong because applying the device intermittently over the fundus for 15 seconds may not target the fetal auditory system, which is located near the fetal back, and may also be too long and too strong for the fetus.
Normal ranges for FHR are between 110 and 160 beats per minute, and FHR accelerations are defined as an increase of at least 15 beats per minute above baseline for at least 15 seconds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Maintain oxytocin infusion and monitor the client until a negative CST result is confirmed.
A negative CST result means that there are no late decelerations of the FHR after three contractions in 10 minutes.This indicates that the fetus can tolerate the stress of labor and has adequate oxygenation.
Choice A is wrong because discontinuing oxytocin infusion and monitoring the client for another 10 minutes will not provide enough information about the fetal response to contractions.The test requires at least three contractions in 10 minutes to be valid.
Choice B is wrong because increasing oxytocin infusion and monitoring the client until four contractions occur in 10 minutes may cause uterine hyperstimulation, which can compromise fetal oxygenation and lead to fetal distress.
Choice C is wrong because stopping oxytocin infusion and notifying the provider of a positive CST result is not appropriate.A positive CST result means that there are late decelerations of the FHR after more than half of the contractions, indicating fetal hypoxia and placental insufficiency.
In this case, there are no late decelerations, so the test result is not positive.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Notify the health care provider.Late decelerations are a sign of uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the blood flow and oxygen supply to the placenta and the fetus are compromised.This is a serious condition that can lead to fetal hypoxia and acidosis.The priority nursing intervention is to inform the health care provider who can assess the situation and decide on the appropriate course of action, such as delivery by cesarean section.
Choice A is wrong because changing the client’s position may not improve the blood flow to the placenta if there is a problem with the placenta itself, such as placental abruption.
Choice B is wrong because administering oxygen via face mask may not be enough to correct the fetal hypoxia caused by uteroplacental insufficiency.
Choice C is wrong because increasing intravenous fluid rate may not improve the blood flow to the placenta if there is a problem with the maternal blood pressure, such as hypotension from epidural analgesia.
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