Maternity Nursing Q 72

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With a fetus in the left anterior breech presentation, the nurse would expect the fetal heart rate would be most audible in which of the following areas?

  

     A. Above the maternal umbilicus and to the right of midline.

     B. In the lower-left maternal abdominal quadrant.

     C. In the lower-right maternal abdominal quadrant.

     D. Above the maternal umbilicus and to the left of the midline.

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Above the maternal umbilicus and to the left of midline

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With this presentation, the fetal upper torso and back face the left upper maternal abdominal wall. The fetal heart rate would be most audible above the maternal umbilicus and to the left of the middle. The other positions would be incorrect.

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Option A: The fetal heart rate would be most audible above the maternal umbilicus but to the left of the midline.

Option B: It should not be at the lower-left of the maternal abdominal quadrant. Fetal heart rate heard in this area may be inaccurate or maybe the maternal heart rate.

Option C: This would be an inaccurate area to check for the fetal heart rate. Since the baby is in breech position, the fetal back may be located at the upper maternal abdominal wall.

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