Final answer:
The 5 essential components of abnormal FHR patterns that need to be evaluated are: baseline heart rate, fetal heart rate variability, accelerations, decelerations, and changes in baseline heart rate patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 5 essential components of abnormal FHR patterns that need to be evaluated are:
- Baseline heart rate: This refers to the average heart rate during a 10-minute period. A normal baseline heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm).
- Fetal heart rate variability: This measures the fluctuations in the fetal heart rate. Absence or decreased variability may indicate fetal distress.
- Accelerations: These are temporary increases in the fetal heart rate, usually in response to fetal movement or contractions. Absence or reduced number of accelerations may signal fetal compromise.
- Decelerations: These are temporary decreases in the fetal heart rate. They can be categorized into early, late, and variable decelerations, each with different implications for fetal well-being.
- Changes in baseline heart rate patterns: This refers to sustained increases or decreases in the baseline heart rate. These patterns can be defined as tachycardia (baseline heart rate above 160 bpm) or bradycardia (baseline heart rate below 110 bpm).