RN Maternal Nursing OB Newborn 2023 2024 Exam Related

Review RN Maternal Nursing OB Newborn 2023 2024 Exam related questions and content

A nurse is preparing to assess fetal heart tones for a client who is at 12 weeks of gestation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Place the client in a side-lying position prior to assessing the fetal heart rate
  • B. Measure the fundal height to determine the placement of the ultrasound stethoscope.
  • C. Position the ultrasound stethoscope above the symphysis pubis to assess the fetal heart rate.
  • D. Perform Leopold maneuvers prior to auscultating the fetal heart rate.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: At 12 weeks of gestation, the fetal heart rate is best assessed by placing the ultrasound stethoscope above the symphysis pubis, where the uterus is located.