Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract NCC-Recommended Sources
Fetal tachycardia is typically caused by maternal fever, dehydration, hypoxia, medications, infection, or fetal stress. AWHONN and Simpson & Creehan emphasize that management focuses on improving oxygen delivery across the placenta, which is governed by uteroplacental perfusion.
Menihan’s EFM text states that “interventions for fetal tachycardia must address oxygen transfer by optimizing uteroplacental blood flow,” including hydration, reducing uterine activity, maternal repositioning, and treating maternal fever.
Increasing maternal circulation alone is insufficient unless it improves placental blood flow. Enhancing fetal sympathetic tone is not a clinical goal and would worsen tachycardia.
Creasy & Resnik highlight that fetal heart rate abnormalities resolve when uteroplacental perfusion is restored, confirming this as the primary target of intervention.
[References:, AWHONN – Fetal Heart Monitoring Principles & PracticesSimpson & Creehan – Perinatal NursingMenihan – Electronic Fetal MonitoringCreasy & Resnik – Maternal-Fetal MedicineMiller’s Pocket Guide, ====================================================]