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

What physiological condition can cause increased fetal heart rate variability?

1. Maternal hypoglycemia

2. Maternal hyperventilation

3. Maternal fever

4. Maternal dehydration

The correct answer is: Maternal fever

Increased fetal heart rate variability is often reflective of a well-oxygenated and healthy fetus. One physiological condition that can lead to an increase in this variability is maternal fever. Fever can stimulate the fetal autonomic nervous system, leading to fluctuations in heart rate as the fetus responds to changes in maternal body temperature. When a mother has a fever, this can cause an increase in metabolic demands, and the coping mechanisms of the fetus can become more apparent. This response results in more pronounced variability in heart rate, showing that the fetus is actively reacting to its environment. Other conditions, like maternal hypoglycemia, hyperventilation, or dehydration, typically have effects that are not as conducive to increasing fetal heart rate variability. Maternal hypoglycemia can lead to a decreased fetal heart rate variability due to inadequate glucose supply. Hyperventilation often results in decreased carbon dioxide levels, which can lead to a condition known as respiratory alkalosis, potentially affecting fetal heart response. Maternal dehydration can cause a reduction in blood flow or placental perfusion, which may also lead to decreased variability. In summary, maternal fever is associated with an increase in fetal heart rate variability as the fetus demonstrates its ability to adapt to maternal stressors, making it the