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Intermittent Auscultation for Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Surveillance
Kristen Ostrem-Niemcewicz1,2, Jessica Holm1,3, Lisa Kane Low1,4
1American College of Nurse-Midwives, Washington, DC.
Abstract:
Fetal heart rate surveillance is a standard component of intrapartum care. The fetal heart rate can be evaluated using intermittent auscultation or electronic fetal monitoring. Research that has compared these 2 strategies found them to be equivalent with respect to long-term neonatal outcomes. The purpose of this clinical bulletin by the American College of Nurse-Midwives is to review evidence for the use of intermittent auscultation and provide recommendations for intermittent auscultation technique, interpretation, and documentation.
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S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
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