MEDizzy - The physician orders scalp stimulation of the fetal head for

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The Primigravid Client in Labor

The physician orders scalp stimulation of the fetal head for a primigravid client in active labor. When explaining to the client about this procedure, which of the following would the nurse include as the purpose?

ExplanationFetal scalp stimulation is commonly ordered when there is decreased fetal heart rate variability. Pressure is applied with the fingers to the fetal scalp through the dilated cervix. This should cause a tactile response in the fetus and increase the fetal heart rate and variability. However, if the fetus is in distress and becoming acidotic, fetal heart rate acceleration will not occur. The fetal hematocrit level can be measured by fetal blood sampling. Scalp stimulation does not increase the strength of the contractions. However, it can increase fetal heart rate and variability. Fetal position is assessed by identifying skull landmarks (sutures) during a vaginal examination.