NCC Certified Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) Practice Exam

During the first stage of labor, for women with no risk factors, fetal monitoring should be reviewed every?

1. 10 minutes

2. 20 minutes

3. 30 minutes

4. 60 minutes

The correct answer is: 30 minutes

In the first stage of labor, it is important to monitor the fetus to assess its well-being and respond to any potential issues that may arise. For women who have no risk factors, it is standard practice to review fetal monitoring findings every 30 minutes. This frequency strikes a balance between ensuring adequate monitoring without causing unnecessary intervention or disruption during the labor process. Monitoring every 30 minutes allows healthcare providers to identify patterns in the fetal heart rate that may indicate how the fetus is coping with labor. Assessing more frequently, such as every 10 or 20 minutes, might lead to increased anxiety and over-intervention when the situation does not warrant it, while monitoring every 60 minutes could miss potential signs of fetal distress. The established guideline of 30 minutes for women without risk factors helps maintain a safe environment for both the mother and the fetus, ensuring that any necessary actions can be taken promptly if concerns arise.