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

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Prepare for the NCC C-EFM exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification!

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The sympathetic branch of the ANS influences FHR to?

Decrease
Stay Constant
Increase
Stabilize

The correct answer is: Increase

The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response, which involves preparing the body for stressful or emergency situations. One of the physiological changes that occurs during this response is an increase in heart rate, also known as fetal heart rate (FHR) in the context of pregnancy. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, it releases neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. This results in increased cardiac output by accelerating the heart rate, which is critical for supplying more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs in response to stress or physical activity. In the case of fetal development, an increased FHR can indicate that the fetus is experiencing heightened activity or stress related to maternal factors. Understanding the influence of the sympathetic nervous system is essential in maternal-fetal monitoring, helping healthcare providers assess the wellbeing of the fetus. Hence, the correct choice that reflects the influence of the sympathetic branch on FHR is an increase.