NCC Certified Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) Practice Exam

Fetal hydrops can develop as a result of which condition?

1. Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia

2. Amniotic fluid embolism

3. Chorioamnionitis

4. Respiratory distress syndrome

The correct answer is: Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia

Fetal hydrops, a serious condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the fetal compartments, can arise from various pathologies. One condition that can lead to fetal hydrops is paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. This arrhythmia can result in sustained high heart rates, potentially leading to heart failure in the fetus. When the heart fails to pump blood effectively, it can cause an increased pressure in the vascular system, leading to fluid leakage into interstitial spaces. This is how paroxysmal atrial tachycardia could ultimately contribute to the development of fetal hydrops. Other conditions are less directly associated with fetal hydrops. Amniotic fluid embolism typically presents during labor and is characterized by the sudden onset of cardiovascular and respiratory collapse in the mother, rather than directly causing hydrops in the fetus. Chorioamnionitis, an infection of the membranes, may lead to complications but is not a direct cause of hydrops. Respiratory distress syndrome primarily affects prematurity and lung development but does not directly lead to the accumulation of fluid characteristic of hydrops. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that prompt fetal hydropic changes.