EFM Fetal Oxygenation and Acid-Base Balance 3

Question 1

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) differs from adult hemoglobin (HbA) in that HbF:

Accepted Answer

Has a higher affinity for oxygen at any given PO2

Answer

Has a lower affinity for oxygen

Answer

Binds 2,3-DPG more effectively

Answer

Carries less oxygen per molecule

Question 2

The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is shifted to the RIGHT in fetal blood compared to maternal blood, meaning:

Accepted Answer

Fetal hemoglobin loads oxygen more easily at the placenta

Answer

Fetal hemoglobin releases oxygen more readily to maternal tissues

Answer

Fetal hemoglobin holds onto oxygen more tightly at any given PO2

Answer

Fetal hemoglobin is less efficient at oxygen transport

Question 3

The normal umbilical vein pH at delivery is approximately:

Accepted Answer

7.32 – 7.43

Answer

7.10 – 7.18

Answer

7.20 – 7.28

Answer

7.45 – 7.55

Question 4

Which condition best describes fetal asphyxia?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxia with significant metabolic acidosis and risk of organ damage

Answer

Transient bradycardia without pH change

Answer

Elevated PCO2 with normal base deficit

Answer

Mild respiratory acidosis corrected within minutes

Question 5

Cord blood gas sampling is most indicated when:

Accepted Answer

There are concerns about fetal well-being during labor or delivery

Answer

All scheduled cesarean deliveries

Answer

Maternal fever above 38.0°C is present

Answer

Epidural analgesia is administered

Question 6

A normal umbilical artery bicarbonate (HCO3-) level at delivery is approximately:

Accepted Answer

22 – 26 mEq/L

Answer

8 – 10 mEq/L

Answer

12 – 16 mEq/L

Answer

30 – 34 mEq/L

Question 7

The threshold for significant metabolic acidemia in umbilical artery blood that is associated with risk of neonatal neurologic injury is a pH of:

Accepted Answer

< 7.10

Answer

< 7.25

Answer

< 7.20

Answer

< 7.00