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

In women with complications, EFM during the first stage of labor should be reviewed every?

1. 10 minutes

2. 15 minutes

3. 30 minutes

4. 45 minutes

The correct answer is: 15 minutes

Continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) during the first stage of labor is crucial, particularly for women with complications, as it helps assess the fetal heart rate and overall well-being of the fetus. The recommended frequency for reviewing the EFM data in this case is every 15 minutes. This timeframe allows healthcare providers to respond promptly to any signs of fetal distress or other complications, thereby ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby. Regular monitoring within this interval helps maintain a consistent assessment approach without overwhelming the clinical team with too frequent interruptions, which could detract from other essential care activities. In contrast, reviewing the data less frequently, such as every 30 or 45 minutes, may not provide timely information necessary to detect changes in the fetal condition or labor progress, potentially leading to missed opportunities for intervention. Frequent assessments every 10 minutes could also be excessive and may not be practical in all clinical situations. Thus, the 15-minute interval strikes a balance between vigilance and practicality, making it the preferred choice in this scenario.