EFM EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring Special Populations and High-Risk Conditions Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A laboring patient develops a fever of 101.8°F (38.8°C). Which EFM change is MOST directly expected as a result of maternal fever?

Accepted Answer

Fetal tachycardia

Answer

Fetal bradycardia

Answer

Decreased variability only, no rate change

Answer

Sinusoidal pattern

Question 2

Which EFM pattern is classically associated with complete placental abruption?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged deceleration or sudden bradycardia with loss of variability

Answer

Mild late decelerations with moderate variability

Answer

Recurrent early decelerations

Answer

Episodic accelerations with a high baseline

Question 3

When caring for a laboring patient with a uterine rupture, which EFM finding typically occurs FIRST?

Accepted Answer

A prolonged or sudden fetal bradycardia

Answer

Gradual increase in baseline rate

Answer

Progressive loss of variability over hours

Answer

Sinusoidal pattern preceding rupture

Question 4

In a patient receiving epidural anesthesia, which hemodynamic change most commonly affects the fetal heart rate tracing?

Accepted Answer

Maternal hypotension causing late or prolonged decelerations

Answer

Maternal hypertension causing fetal tachycardia

Answer

Maternal bradycardia causing fetal accelerations

Answer

No fetal effect because the placenta filters anesthetic agents

Question 5

A patient with polyhydramnios is being monitored with EFM. Which fetal heart rate concern is MOST associated with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Cord prolapse causing sudden prolonged decelerations

Answer

Oligohydramnios-related cord compression

Answer

Chronic uteroplacental insufficiency

Answer

Fetal tachycardia due to increased fluid pressure

Question 6

In a patient with a prior cesarean birth monitored with EFM during a trial of labor (TOLAC), which pattern most specifically raises concern for uterine scar dehiscence?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of late or prolonged decelerations in a previously reassuring tracing

Answer

Mild variable decelerations during pushing

Answer

Gradual increase in baseline from 130 to 145 bpm

Answer

Loss of accelerations in the third trimester