Student Tutorial: An Introduction to Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

- 100 Level Course -

What is it?

Peri-FACTS has developed an online tutorial that introduces students to the basics of fetal heart rate monitoring interpretation

Since 1991, one of our goals has been to encourage communication and use of the same terminology among obstetric care providers. We currently use the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's (NICHD) nomenclature for fetal heart rate interpretation.

Who Gets it and What Does it Cost?

This program is being offered to all Nursing Schools- FREE OF CHARGE.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the Peri-FACTS Student Tutorial, the learner will be able to:

Describe components of a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing.
Determine the FHR baseline.
Describe periodic and non-periodic FHR changes as they relate to accelerations and decelerations.
Describe FHR variability.
List the characteristics of uterine activity.
Identify early, late, and variable decelerations and explain their physiologic causes.
Describe appropriate interventions for FHR tracings.

Course Materials

The Student Learning Tutorial is presented as follows:

Introduction to Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring
Determining Fetal Heart Rate Baseline
Baseline Fetal Heart Rate Variability
Causes of Fetal Heart Rate Changes
Uterine Contractions/Intrauterine Pressure Catheter
Fetal Heart Rate Decelerations--Early, Late, and Variables
Interpreting the Fetal Heart Rate Tracing--What is Your Next Step?

It is recommended that students review the materials in the order shown, as each topic builds from the previous topic.

Review Test

The Review Test reviews the information found in the reading materials and requires students to interpret fetal heart rate tracings. After completing and submitting the test, a printable grade is displayed immediately, as well as explanations for the answers.