Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

The fetal acoustic stimulator is designed to create audible stimuli intended to elicit a response from the fetus, particularly during non-stress tests or assessments of fetal well-being. Placement of the device is crucial for optimal effectiveness; it should be positioned near the fetal head. This location allows the sound to be directed towards the fetus to effectively stimulate fetal movement or heart rate changes, providing valuable information about fetal status.

Placing the device near the maternal abdomen may not provide a focused stimulus to the fetal head where auditory perception is more effective. Similarly, the maternal hip or back locations do not direct stimuli toward the fetus as effectively, potentially leading to a less reliable assessment of fetal responsiveness. Thus, positioning the stimulator near the fetal head is essential for accurately monitoring and assessing fetal well-being and response during monitoring procedures.