Which fetal heart rate indicates an abnormal finding that necessitates further testing during a primipara's second trimester?

• A. 160 beats per minute
• B. 170 beats per minute
• C. 180 beats per minute
• D. 150 beats per minute

Answer: (C)

In the context of fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring, a normal range for fetal heart rates typically falls between 110 and 160 beats per minute during the second trimester of pregnancy. Values outside this range can indicate potential issues that warrant further investigation. In this scenario, a fetal heart rate of 180 beats per minute is considered abnormal, as it falls outside the upper limit of the normal range.

A sustained fetal heart rate above 160 beats per minute, particularly when it reaches 180 beats per minute, could be indicative of fetal tachycardia. This condition may be associated with various factors including maternal fever, fetal infection, or other pathological conditions that require further evaluation to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus. Thus, identifying this elevated heart rate as an abnormal finding is crucial in prompting additional testing and monitoring to assess the health of the pregnancy.