2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is preparing to auscultate a fetal heart rate (FHR). The nurse performs the Leopold maneuvers to determine the position of the fetus and then places the fetoscope over which part of the fetus?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A: Placing the fetoscope over the back of the fetus allows for the clearest transmission of the fetal heart sounds, as this area is closest to the heart.
B: The carotid artery is not an appropriate site for auscultation; it is not where the heart sounds would be best heard.
C: The brachial area of an extremity is not suitable for detecting heart sounds, as it is far from the heart's location.
D: While the chest is near the heart, it is not as effective as the back for auscultation, where the heart sounds are more pronounced.