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 ["E"]
Explanation
The test result is nonreactive after 40 minutes.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.VAS is typically used during a nonstress test (NST) to elicit fetal movement and reactivity when the baseline FHR variability is minimal or the test result is nonreactive after 40 minutes.VAS can shorten the testing time and reduce the incidence of non-reactive cardiotocography.
Choice A is wrong because the fetus’s presentation does not affect the use of VAS.
Choice B is wrong because VAS is not indicated for a fetus that has not moved for 40 minutes, unless the NST result is also nonreactive.
Choice C is wrong because minimal baseline FHR variability is not a sufficient indication for VAS, unless the NST result is also nonreactive.
Choice D is wrong because a history of stillbirth does not affect the use of VAS.
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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