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Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Basics — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Baseline 110-160 bpm

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Basics on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Normal

Key facts

Baseline FHR 110-160 bpm
Moderate variability = reassuring
Accelerations = good oxygenation

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Decels

Key facts

Early = head compression, OK
Variable = cord compression (VEAL)
Late = placental insufficiency

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Do (Late)

Nursing actions

Reposition left side, O2, IV fluids
Stop oxytocin, notify provider

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Report

Notify / act now

Late/variable decels, absent variability

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Quick Tip

Normal baseline FHR is 110 to 160 bpm; moderate variability (6 to 25 bpm) is the single best sign of fetal oxygenation.

📖 Related Topics

Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Hyponatremia Heart Failure

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