Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

What response might occur from fetal scalp stimulation during non-reassuring FHR?

1. Increased fetal heart rate

2. Vagal response leading to decreased FHR

3. Improved uteroplacental blood flow

4. Increased fetal movement

The correct answer is: Vagal response leading to decreased FHR

Fetal scalp stimulation during non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns can evoke a vagal response, which is characterized by a decrease in fetal heart rate. This response occurs because the stimulation can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to increased vagal tone, which slows the heart rate. In practice, this technique is often used as a method to assess fetal well-being. When the fetal scalp is stimulated, the expected physiological reaction may be a brief decline in heart rate due to the vagal response. While the intention is to evaluate the responsiveness of the fetus to stimuli, it’s crucial to recognize that this can indicate that the fetus is under some level of stress, and the vagal response reflects the parasympathetic activation in reaction to that stress. Understanding this response is important for nurses, as it directs them to monitor and assess other factors affecting fetal well-being, especially in situations of non-reassuring FHR patterns. Other options could suggest outcomes that are not indicative of the immediate physiological responses to scalp stimulation under these conditions.