Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What best defines fetal heart rate variability?

The average heart rate over a specific time

The absence of fluctuations in FHR

The fluctuation in the FHR over time

Fetal heart rate variability refers to the fluctuations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) that occur over time. It is a crucial indicator of the fetal well-being and reflects the autonomic nervous system's regulation of the heart. These fluctuations can be influenced by various factors, such as fetal movement, uterine contractions, and maternal activity.

Normal variability indicates a well-oxygenated fetus, showing that the fetus can appropriately respond to different stimuli. It is measured in terms of beats per minute (bpm) and is usually categorized as absent, minimal, moderate, or marked. Moderate variability, in particular, is indicative of a healthy fetal state. This understanding is vital for assessing fetal health during monitoring, making it an essential concept for obstetric nurses and healthcare providers in managing pregnancy and labor.

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The maximum heart rate reached during contractions

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