NCLEX Question for Fetal Heart Tones

As the nurse assigned to Mrs. Q. you are listening to fetal heart tones.  Which of the following findings would you consider abnormal for a patient in active labor?

a.    A rate of 160 with no significant changes through a contraction
b.    A rate of 130 with accelerations to 150 with fetal movement
c.    A rate that varies between 120 and 130
d.    A rate of 170 with a drop to 140 during a contraction

Correct Answer D. A rate of 170 is suggestive of fetal tachycardia.  A drop to 140 during a contraction represents some periodic change, which is not a normal finding.

A rate of 160 is normal. The absence of changes during contractions is a reassuring finding.

A rate of 130 is normal.  Accelerations with fetal movement are a reassuring finding.

Baseline variability between 120 and 130is a normal finding.

Posted in: MCN NCLEX