Reassuring Fetal Status Results |
Completed
Course
HCM 312 (HCM312)
1) What is Non-Reassuring Fetal Status (NRFS)?
Answer: A clinical condition indicating that the fetus may not be receiving adequate oxygen,
often identified via abnormal fetal heart rate patterns.
Rationale: Early recognition allows prompt intervention to prevent fetal hypoxia and acidosis.
2) Which fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern is most commonly associated with NRFS?
Answer: Persistent late decelerations.
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, a hallmark of fetal
compromise.
3) What maternal factors can contribute to NRFS?
Answer: Maternal hypotension, diabetes, hypertension, infection, or hypoxia.
Rationale: Maternal health directly affects fetal oxygenation and well-being.
4) What interventions should be initiated when NRFS is detected?
Answer: Reposition the mother, administer oxygen, correct hypotension, discontinue oxytocin,
and prepare for possible delivery.
Rationale: These steps improve fetal oxygenation and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.
5) How is NRFS confirmed during labor?
Answer: Through continuous electronic fetal monitoring showing abnormal FHR patterns like
late decelerations, tachycardia, or reduced variability.
Rationale: Objective monitoring ensures timely recognition and management of fetal
compromise.
6) Why is intrauterine resuscitation important in NRFS?
,Answer: It aims to restore adequate fetal oxygenation and prevent hypoxic injury before
delivery.
Rationale: Immediate interventions can stabilize the fetus and improve neonatal outcomes.
7) What is the role of amnioinfusion in NRFS?
Answer: To dilute meconium-stained amniotic fluid and relieve umbilical cord compression.
Rationale: Reduces variable decelerations caused by cord compression and improves oxygen
delivery.
8) When is immediate delivery indicated in NRFS?
Answer: When persistent abnormal FHR patterns do not improve with intrauterine resuscitation,
especially with evidence of fetal acidemia.
Rationale: Rapid delivery prevents permanent fetal injury or death.
9) Which diagnostic test can assess fetal oxygenation in NRFS?
Answer: Fetal scalp blood sampling for pH and lactate levels.
Rationale: Provides direct measurement of fetal acid-base status to guide intervention.
10) How does maternal position affect NRFS?
Answer: Left lateral position improves uteroplacental blood flow, reducing fetal hypoxia.
Rationale: Relieves pressure on the inferior vena cava and enhances oxygen delivery to the
fetus.
11) What are early decelerations, and are they considered NRFS?
Answer: Early decelerations are gradual decreases in FHR that mirror contractions and are
generally benign.
Rationale: They are caused by fetal head compression and usually do not indicate hypoxia.
12) What FHR variability indicates fetal compromise?
Answer: Minimal or absent variability.
Rationale: Reduced variability reflects poor autonomic regulation and possible fetal hypoxia or
acidosis.
, 13) How does maternal hypotension contribute to NRFS?
Answer: It reduces uteroplacental blood flow, decreasing oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Rationale: Prompt correction of hypotension can restore fetal oxygenation.
14) What is the significance of tachycardia in NRFS?
Answer: Persistent FHR >160 bpm may indicate maternal fever, infection, or fetal hypoxia.
Rationale: Tachycardia is an early warning sign that the fetus may be stressed.
15) How does maternal oxygen therapy help in NRFS?
Answer: Increases maternal blood oxygen saturation, improving fetal oxygen delivery.
Rationale: Supplemental oxygen can temporarily alleviate fetal hypoxia.
16) What are variable decelerations, and how are they managed?
Answer: Abrupt FHR decreases due to umbilical cord compression; managed with maternal
repositioning and amnioinfusion.
Rationale: Relieving cord compression restores adequate oxygen supply to the fetus.
17) What role does oxytocin play in NRFS?
Answer: Excessive oxytocin can cause hyperstimulation, leading to decreased fetal oxygenation.
Rationale: Discontinuing oxytocin can improve FHR patterns and reduce fetal stress.
18) When is a cesarean section indicated for NRFS?
Answer: When persistent abnormal FHR patterns do not resolve with intrauterine resuscitation.
Rationale: Immediate delivery is required to prevent fetal injury or death.
19) What is the significance of late decelerations?
Answer: They are gradual decreases in FHR occurring after the peak of a contraction, indicating
uteroplacental insufficiency.
Rationale: Late decelerations are a key marker of fetal hypoxia and require urgent intervention.