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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Variable decels are mediated primarily by?

Chemoreceptors
Baroreceptors
Neurotransmitters
Prostaglandins

The correct answer is: Baroreceptors

Variable decelerations in fetal heart rate are primarily mediated by baroreceptors. These receptors are sensitive to changes in pressure and play a crucial role in regulating heart rate in response to varying conditions within the body, particularly in the context of fetal stress or compression of the umbilical cord during labor. When there is fetal cord compression, it can lead to transient changes in fetal heart rate; specifically, you may observe variable decelerations. Baroreceptors in the fetus detect these changes in blood pressure, which can lead to alterations in heart rate as a compensatory mechanism. Thus, the correct answer centers around the role of baroreceptors in this physiological process. The other options, while related to different physiological functions, do not primarily mediate variable decelerations. Chemoreceptors are involved in detecting changes in blood gas levels, neurotransmitters are critical for nerve signaling, and prostaglandins are involved in inflammation and the modulation of various physiological responses but are not the primary mediators of variable decelerations during labor.