Question

A nurse is caring for a client in labor and is monitoring the fetal heart rate patterns. The nurse notes the presence of episodic accelerations on the electronic fetal monitor tracing. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?

1.Document the findings and tell the mother that the monitor indicates fetal well-being
2.Take the mothers vital signs and tell the mother that bed rest is required to conserve oxygen.
3.Notify the physician or nurse mid-wife of the findings.
4.Reposition the mother and check the monitor for changes in the fetal tracing

Answer 1

The most appropriate action when episodic accelerations of the fetal heart rate are observed is to document the findings and reassure the mother that it indicates fetal well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse observes episodic accelerations of the fetal heart rate on the electronic fetal monitor, the most appropriate action to take would be to document the findings and reassure the mother that the monitor indicates fetal well-being. Episodic accelerations are typically a positive sign, reflecting a healthy response of the fetus to uterine contractions, movement, or stimulation. These accelerations represent periods when the fetal heart rate increases from the baseline rate by 15 beats per minute or more for at least 15 seconds. Since this is a sign of fetal well-being, there is no need for immediate concern or intervention such as notifying the physician or nurse-midwife, which would be necessary in the event of indicators of fetal distress.