Final answer:
A fetal heart rate significantly above the normal range may indicate tachycardia and can lead to various treatments based on the underlying cause. In some cases, this situation requires immediate medical attention, leading to emergency delivery methods. The Apgar score is an essential assessment that includes fetal heart rate to determine the newborn's health status.
Step-by-step explanation:
In cases where the fetal heart rate is considered high, it indicates a condition known as tachycardia, which is not normal in a resting patient. Tachycardia in fetuses may necessitate different forms of treatment based on the underlying cause and might require emergency interventions if it results from severe contractions or other stressors. In adults, a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) signals tachycardia, but in children, this rate can be normal. For fetuses, heart rates significantly above the normal range, typically around 120 to 160 bpm, might indicate distress or other medical conditions. Conditions such as anemia, fever, or hypoxia can cause high fetal heart rates. In some instances, an elevated heart rate might warrant immediate medical attention and could lead to an emergency birth through vacuum, forceps, or a caesarian section if the fetus is not receiving sufficient oxygenated blood.
Treatment methods for tachycardia may include medications, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, ablation or surgery, depending on the condition's severity and the underlying cause. When considering the health of a newborn, the Apgar score is a critical measure. It assesses heart rate along with other criteria to determine the immediate need for medical assistance. A high fetal heart rate may affect the Apgar score and indicate that the newborn is experiencing distress and requires medical intervention. In conclusion, an elevated fetal heart rate above the normal range can be cause for concern and requires appropriate medical assessment and potential treatment to ensure the wellbeing of both the fetus and the mother.