Written for labor and delivery nurses, nurse midwives, and maternal-child and family birth nurses, Essentials of Fetal and Uterine Monitoring, Fifth Edition, expertly presents how to identify fetal well-being and the signs of potential fetal and uterine compromise. An accurate interpretation of fetal heart rate patterns and uterine activity helps to ensure the safest labor and delivery process for mother and baby. Chapters present the best practices for distinguishing normal from abnormal fetal heart rate patterns and uterine activity. Designed in an engaging workbook-style format with step-by-step instruction, this evidence-based resource is for the beginning learner as well as the seasoned professional. Key Features Covers systematic assessment of the pregnant patient Addresses external and internal fetal and maternal monitoring Includes a step-by-step guide to fetal monitoring equipment and procedures Based on peer-reviewed clinically applicable research Contains detailed reproductions of actual fetal monitor tracings Clarifies differences between maternal and fetal heart rate patterns Contains a dedicated section on chronic hypoxia, acute asphyxia, and the nursing role Identifies ineffective actions that can delay timely interventions Sets forth legal issues Provides skill-testing exercises What's NEW Includes a NEW evidence-based section on normal vs. excessive uterine activity discussing prevention of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy Increased focus on the uterus and the effect of contractions on fetal health. All relevant sections updated to include latest evidence, research, equipment, clinical practice considerations, and interventions.
Michelle L. Murray, PhD, RNC-OB, is an international educator, author, and expert in obstetric nursing. She is the editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Childbirth. Dr. Murray has taught nursing students and nurses in the United States, Canada, and Bahrain and has spent the majority of her career as a labor and delivery nurse and obstetric nursing educator. She was appointed by the provost at the University of New Mexico as a clinical associate professor. Dr. Murray's company, Learning Resources International, Inc., produces clinical and educational products, and she has delivered seminars to nurses, midwives, and physicians.
CONTENTS List of Reviewers Introduction Section 1 Systematic Assessment of the Pregnant Woman Section 2 The Paper Output and the Computer Image Section 3 External and Internal Fetal Monitoring Section 4 Maternal Heart Rate Patterns Section 5 Uterine Contractions Section 6 Abnormal Uterine Activity Section 7 The Baseline Section 8 Baseline Variability Section 9 Short-Term Variability Section 10 Accelerations Section 11 Early Decelerations Section 12 Late and Spontaneous Decelerations Section 13 Variable Decelerations and the Checkmark Pattern Section 14 Prolonged Decelerations Section 15 Fetal Hypoxia, Acidosis, and Asphyxia Section 16 Strip Evaluation and Categorization of Fetal Heart Rate Patterns Section 17 Fetal Monitoring Workshops Sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Section 18 Skills Validation Glossary Index
