Limited obstetric ultrasound in nursing practice

During the past decade, nurses have begun to incorporate limited ultrasound into obstetric nursing practice. Guidelines have been established that provide the recommended content for the didactic and clinical preparation needed before implementing this technique. Fetal sonography provides useful information on fetal status and complements the fetal heart assessment. With appropriate education and institutional policies, nurses can enhance their role with this new skill. Acquiring an understanding of the educational and clinical guidelines for limited sonography is the first step for perinatal nurses who want to incorporate this skill into their clinical practice.