Atrium Health Womens Care Maternal Fetal Monitoring Related

Review Atrium Health Womens Care Maternal Fetal Monitoring related questions and content

A patient who is 40 weeks pregnant presents to the labor and delivery unit with decreased fetal movement. What is the first step in management?

  • A. Perform a nonstress test (NST)
  • B. Administer a corticosteroid injection
  • C. Monitor fetal heart rate
  • D. Monitor the fetal heart rate
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform a nonstress test (NST). This is the first step in assessing fetal well-being when a patient presents with decreased fetal movement at 40 weeks gestation. The NST evaluates fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement, providing immediate information on fetal well-being. Administering a corticosteroid injection (B) would not be indicated at this point as it is not the first-line management for decreased fetal movement. Monitoring fetal heart rate (C and D) is important, but the NST provides more comprehensive information on fetal well-being.