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

What can IV stadol lead to in fetal heart monitoring?

1. Persistent heart rate variability

2. Transient sinusoidal patterns

3. Continuous bradycardia

4. Severe tachycardia

The correct answer is: Transient sinusoidal patterns

IV Stadol, which contains the active ingredient butorphanol, is an opioid analgesic often used for pain relief during labor. One of the notable effects of administering IV Stadol is its potential impact on fetal heart rate monitoring. Specifically, it can lead to transient sinusoidal patterns in the fetal heart rate tracing. Transient sinusoidal patterns are characterized by a smooth, wave-like fluctuation in fetal heart rate, usually with a frequency of about 6 to 9 cycles per minute and a moderate amplitude. These patterns may indicate fetal distress due to factors like medications administered to the mother. The presence of a sinusoidal pattern is associated with a specific response to the medication, reflecting the transient effects of opioids in the fetal nervous system. While persistent heart rate variability, continuous bradycardia, and severe tachycardia could denote other underlying issues or complications, they are not directly caused by IV Stadol. The transient sinusoidal patterns are therefore the correct association with this medication's effects on fetal heart monitoring, making it a key point in interpreting fetal heart tracings in clinical practice, especially during labor.