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

Maternal fever elevates fetal metabolic rate and increases fetal heart rate through direct thermal and inflammatory mechanisms, resulting in tachycardia.

Question 2

Which EFM pattern is classically associated with complete placental abruption?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged deceleration or sudden bradycardia with loss of variability

Answer

Complete placental abruption causes sudden cessation of uteroplacental blood flow, producing a prolonged deceleration or sustained bradycardia with loss of variability.

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

Uterine rupture often presents acutely with a sudden prolonged fetal bradycardia due to catastrophic disruption of uteroplacental circulation.

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

Epidural anesthesia can cause maternal hypotension due to sympathetic blockade, reducing uterine blood flow and causing late or prolonged fetal decelerations.

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

Polyhydramnios increases the risk of cord prolapse, particularly with rupture of membranes, which would produce sudden and severe fetal heart rate decelerations.

EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring Practice Test

EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring Practice Test

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