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

During the second stage of labor for women requiring oxytocin, how often should electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) be reviewed?

1. Every 2 minutes

2. Every 5 minutes

3. Every 10 minutes

4. Every 15 minutes

The correct answer is: Every 5 minutes

During the second stage of labor for women receiving oxytocin, electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) should be reviewed every 5 minutes to ensure the well-being of the fetus and to monitor for any potential complications. This frequency allows healthcare providers to promptly detect changes in fetal heart rate patterns or significant deviations that could indicate fetal distress related to uterine contractions or the effects of the medication. Regular monitoring at this interval is critical because the use of oxytocin can influence uterine activity and, consequently, fetal oxygenation. Timely assessments help facilitate rapid interventions if needed, which is vital for maintaining maternal and fetal safety during the labor process. The decision to monitor at this frequency aligns with established clinical guidelines emphasizing close observation in instances where medication may alter typical labor dynamics.