NCLEX-RN® Question of the Day: FHR tracing

Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on fetal heart rate tracing. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!

The nurse in the labor and delivery unit is providing an update to the health care provider about a patient in active labor. Based on the following assessment findings from the fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing, which FHR category should the nurse report to the health care provider? 

A. Category I

B. Category II

C. Category III

D. Category IV

Scroll down for the correct answer!

The correct answer to today’s NCLEX® Question is…

A. Category I

Rationale: All components are present to meet the requirements of Category I, or normal, FHR tracing.

Main Takeaway

The nurse should be able to categorize fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings to generate appropriate solutions and communicate effectively with other health care team members.

There are 3 main categories for the interpretation of the FHR.

Category I refers to normal findings and must include a baseline FHR of 110 to 160 beats per minute, moderate FHR variability, and an absence of late and variable decelerations. Accelerations or early deceleration may or may not be present. Category I FHR indicates the fetus is well-oxygenated.

Incorrect Answer Explanations

B. Category II

Rationale: This FHR tracing does not meet the requirements to be Category II, or indeterminate.

C. Category III

Rationale: This FHR tracing does not meet the requirements to be Category III, or abnormal.

D. Category IV

Rationale: There is no Category IV FHR tracing.

Want to learn more about this topic?

Watch the Osmosis video: Intrapartum assessment – Fetal heart rate patterns: Nursing

Try Osmosis today! Access your free trial and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.