Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) Monitoring & VEAL CHOP
Deceleration patterns, variability categories, intrauterine resuscitation techniques, and immediate obstetric interventions.
High-Yield Clinical Takeaways & NCLEX Priorities
- Variable decelerations -> Cord compression (Turn patient to lateral position).
- Early decelerations -> Head compression (Normal physiologic finding; no intervention needed).
- Accelerations -> Oxygenation / OK (Reassuring sign of fetal well-being).
- Late decelerations -> Placental insufficiency (Emergency: Turn to left side, stop oxytocin, 8–10 L O2 via non-rebreather, IV fluid bolus).
1. VEAL CHOP Clinical Mnemonics
Late decelerations begin after the peak of the uterine contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends. They indicate compromised uteroplacental perfusion and necessitate immediate intrauterine resuscitation.
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