Electronic Fetal Monitoring Exam Review

RN, CNS, NP

Course Description

This course will review test content outline and the associated competencies to prepare for the 2020 NCC subspecialty examination in Electronic Fetal Monitoring. Content will include fetal heart monitoring (FHM) pattern recognition and interpretation using NICHD definitions; review of the physiology of maternal fetal oxygenation and other factors impacting on the neuromodulation of fetal heart rate, complications of labor and the potential effects on FHM data; review interventions and management targeted to the physiology of FHR patterns. Content will be applied in the context of case studies. Adjunct fetal assessment, legal aspects of FHM and equipment troubleshooting will be reviewed.

Program Learning Outcomes

This program prepares the learner to:

• Apply NICHD terminology to fetal heart rate pattern recognition, interpretation and assessment.
• Discuss factors affecting fetal oxygenation, including fetal heart rate regulation; maternal and fetal physiology; complications of pregnancy and labor, drug effects and dysrhythmias.
• Use knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of electronic fetal monitoring to provide information to the pregnant woman and her support person(s).
• Review appropriate nursing interventions and actions targeted to the physiology of the FHM patterns.
• Discuss adjunct fetal assessment, including fetal acid base interpretation and the biophysical profile.
• Incorporate knowledge of legal responsibilities and liabilities related to FHM data into a plan of care.