Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

Under which conditions should the fetal acoustic stimulator not be used?

1. During fetal monitoring

2. During a vaginal examination, contractions, and in the presence of decelerations

3. During fetal movement

4. Only during contractions

The correct answer is: During a vaginal examination, contractions, and in the presence of decelerations

The fetal acoustic stimulator should not be used during a vaginal examination, during contractions, or in the presence of decelerations. This is because the use of the stimulator under these conditions could lead to erroneous interpretations of fetal heart rate patterns and could potentially cause undue stress to the fetus. The stimulator is designed to provoke a response from the fetus, and using it in situations where the conditions are already unpredictable, such as during contractions or when decelerations are observed, can complicate clinical assessment. In normal practices, the stimulator is employed when there is a need to assess fetal well-being, especially in the context of a non-reactive non-stress test, where its purpose is to elicit fetal movement and acceleration in heart rate. However, using it during a vaginal exam may interfere with the gathering of accurate data regarding fetal status or the labor process itself. This highlights the importance of understanding the appropriate clinical scenarios for the application of fetal monitoring techniques and interventions, ensuring both the safety and the accuracy of fetal assessments.