Free EFM Clinical Decision-Making Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which one of the following is usually associated with fetal head compression?
- A (Correct answer)
- B
- C
Correct answer: A
Explanation: <br> Early decelerations are associated with fetal head compression.
Question 2: Which one of the following is associated with uteroplacental insufficiency?
- A
- B (Correct answer)
- C
Correct answer: B
Explanation: <br> Late decelerations are associated uteroplacental insufficiency.
Question 3: Which of the following patterns is typically associated with cord compression?
- A
- B
- C (Correct answer)
Correct answer: C
Explanation: <br> Variable decelerations are often associated with cord compression.
Question 4: Describe the variability.
- Absent
- Minimill
- Moderate
- Marked (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Marked
Explanation: <br> Marked variability is 25 bpm or more of fluctuation around the baseline.
Question 5: Which of the following is the most important characteristic of fetal heart tracings to determine fetal well-being?
- Baseline
- Variability (Correct answer)
- Presence of Accelerations
- Presence of Decelerations
Correct answer: Variability
Explanation: <br> Variability is the single most important determinant of fetal well-being.
Question 6: Which of the following is not considered a Category 3 fetal tracing?
- A sinusoidal pattern
- Recurrent late decelerations with minimal variability (Correct answer)
- A prolonged deceleration with absent variability
- Recurrent variable decelerations with absent variability
Correct answer: Recurrent late decelerations with minimal variability
Explanation: <br> Absent fetal heart rate variability is required for Category 3 tracings. Late decelerations with minimal variability is still Category 2.
Question 7: Which of the following describes the criteria of an acceleration after 32 weeks gestation?
- A rise in the fetal heart rate of at least 10 bpm for at least 15 seconds
- A rise in the fetal heart rate of at least 10 bpm for at least 10 seconds
- A rise in the fetal heart rate of at least 15 bpm for at least 15 seconds (Correct answer)
- A rise in the fetal heart rate of at least 15 bpm for at least 10 seconds
Correct answer: A rise in the fetal heart rate of at least 15 bpm for at least 15 seconds
Explanation: <br> Accelerations in fetal heart rate after 32 weeks gestation are defined by an increase in the fetal heart rate of at least 15 beats per minute (bpm) above the baseline, lasting for at least 15 seconds. This criteria indicates fetal well-being and is considered reassuring during electronic fetal monitoring.
Question 8: Which of the following is not a possible cause of the tachycardia seen in the last tracing?
- Maternal fever
- Sympathomimetic drugs
- Maternal hyperthyroidism
- Fetal sepsis
- Fetal heart block (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Fetal heart block
Explanation: <br> Fetal heart block is not typically associated with tachycardia; instead, it often presents with bradycardia. Tachycardia in electronic fetal monitoring can be caused by maternal fever, sympathomimetic drugs, maternal hyperthyroidism, and fetal sepsis, among other factors.
Question 9: Management of a prolonged deceleration should include which of the following:
- Cervical examination
- Maternal position change
- Assessment of uterine contractions
- Assessment of maternal vital signs
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
Explanation: <br> Management of a prolonged deceleration typically involves a multifaceted approach, including maternal position change, assessment of uterine contractions, evaluation of maternal vital signs, and occasionally, a cervical examination to assess for potential causes or progress of labor.
Question 10: What is the appropriate next step if a prolonged deceleration persists after maternal position change?
- Cervical examination
- Administering oxygen to the mother (Correct answer)
- Increasing intravenous fluids
- Immediate cesarean delivery
Correct answer: Administering oxygen to the mother
Explanation: <br> Administering oxygen to the mother can help improve oxygen delivery to the fetus and is a common intervention following a prolonged deceleration.
Question 11: Which intervention is indicated if there is persistent fetal tachycardia on Electronic Fetal Monitoring?
- Maternal hydration
- Administering tocolytic medication
- Increasing intravenous fluids
- Immediate cesarean delivery (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Immediate cesarean delivery
Explanation: <br> Persistent fetal tachycardia can indicate fetal distress, and immediate cesarean delivery may be necessary to prevent adverse outcomes.
Which one of the following is usually associated with fetal head compression?