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

What does a decrease in fetal heart rate variability often indicate?

1. Fetal wellbeing

2. Maternal stress

3. Fetal hypoxemia

4. Dehydration

The correct answer is: Fetal hypoxemia

A decrease in fetal heart rate variability is a significant clinical finding that often indicates fetal hypoxemia, which refers to a deficiency of oxygen in the fetal blood. In a healthy fetus, variability in the heart rate is a sign of good autonomic function and oxygenation status because it reflects the responsive nature of the fetal nervous system and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. When the fetus experiences hypoxemia, it can lead to decreased heart rate variability as the body's response mechanisms become impaired. This diminished response can be a sign that the fetus is under stress or is not receiving adequate oxygen. Monitoring fetal heart rate patterns, including variability, is critical in assessing fetal well-being and can guide healthcare providers in making timely decisions to protect both the mother and the developing fetus. Other given choices such as fetal wellbeing and maternal stress do not align with the physiological principles related to fetal heart rate variability. Dehydration may have effects on maternal heart rate or blood pressure but is less directly related to alterations in fetal heart rate patterns compared to hypoxemia.