EFM EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring Special Populations and High-Risk Conditions Questions and Answers 1

Question 1

In a preterm fetus at 28 weeks gestation, which FHR characteristic differs from a term fetus and must be considered during EFM interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Higher baseline heart rate and less pronounced variability are normal for gestational age

Answer

Preterm fetuses normally have higher baseline heart rates and less variability due to immature autonomic nervous system development, requiring gestational-age-adjusted interpretation.

Question 2

When monitoring a patient with gestational diabetes on EFM, which fetal heart rate concern is MOST associated with macrosomia and shoulder dystocia risk?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged second-stage decelerations indicating head compression with risk of cord entrapment at delivery

Answer

In macrosomic fetuses, prolonged or severe decelerations during pushing can signal cord or head compression that may be compounded by shoulder dystocia at delivery.

Question 3

In a twin gestation monitored with EFM, what is a major challenge unique to dual fetal monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Signal cross-capture where one transducer picks up the other twin's heart rate

Answer

Signal cross-capture (cross-channel interference) can cause one monitor to display the other twin's FHR, leading to misinterpretation of fetal status.

Question 4

Which fetal heart rate pattern is MOST concerning in a patient with severe preeclampsia?

Accepted Answer

Late decelerations with minimal variability

Answer

In severe preeclampsia, uteroplacental insufficiency places the fetus at high risk, and late decelerations with minimal variability (Category III) indicate possible fetal acidemia.

Question 5

A patient at 41 weeks gestation is being monitored with EFM during oxytocin induction. Which pattern specifically increases risk in post-term fetuses?

Accepted Answer

Variable decelerations due to oligohydramnios increasing cord compression risk

Answer

Post-term pregnancies are associated with oligohydramnios, which reduces the cushioning effect of amniotic fluid and increases the likelihood of umbilical cord compression causing variable 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 1