NCC ELECTRONIC FETAL
MONITORING COMPREHENSIVE
CERTIFICATION PREP EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which component of the fetal heart rate is considered the most important indicator of
adequate fetal oxygenation and an intact central nervous system?
A. Baseline variability
B. Accelerations
C. Baseline rate
D. Absence of decelerations
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Moderate baseline variability reflects a functioning autonomic
nervous system and suggests the absence of metabolic acidemia at the time of observation.
2. According to NICHD nomenclature, tachysystole is defined as more than how many
contractions in a 10-minute window, averaged over 30 minutes?
A. 3
B. 4
,C. 6
D. 5
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tachysystole is defined as >5 contractions in 10 minutes,
regardless of the presence or absence of FHR decelerations.
3. A fetal heart rate change is considered an ‘acceleration’ at 34 weeks gestation if it
increases above baseline by at least:
A. 10 bpm for 10 seconds
B. 20 bpm for 20 seconds
C. 15 bpm for 15 seconds
D. 15 bpm for 2 minutes
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For fetuses 32 weeks and older, an acceleration is defined as a
peak of 15 bpm above baseline for a duration of 15 seconds.
4. Which physiological mechanism is primarily responsible for the occurrence of early
decelerations?
A. Chemoreceptor stimulation due to hypoxia
B. Vagal nerve stimulation due to fetal head compression
C. Baroreceptor stimulation due to cord compression
, D. Respiratory acidosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Early decelerations are caused by fetal head compression, which
triggers a vagal response, slowing the heart rate.
5. A Category III FHR tracing is characterized by which of the following?
A. Minimal variability with recurrent late decelerations
B. Moderate variability with prolonged decelerations
C. Marked variability with tachycardia
D. Absent variability and recurrent late decelerations
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Category III includes absent variability AND any of: recurrent
late decelerations, recurrent variable decelerations, bradycardia, or a sinusoidal pattern.
6. What is the primary physiological goal of performing intrauterine resuscitation (e.g.,
maternal position change, fluid bolus)?
A. To increase maternal blood pressure
B. To decrease fetal heart rate variability
C. To stop uterine contractions permanently
D. To improve uteroplacental perfusion and fetal oxygenation
MONITORING COMPREHENSIVE
CERTIFICATION PREP EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which component of the fetal heart rate is considered the most important indicator of
adequate fetal oxygenation and an intact central nervous system?
A. Baseline variability
B. Accelerations
C. Baseline rate
D. Absence of decelerations
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Moderate baseline variability reflects a functioning autonomic
nervous system and suggests the absence of metabolic acidemia at the time of observation.
2. According to NICHD nomenclature, tachysystole is defined as more than how many
contractions in a 10-minute window, averaged over 30 minutes?
A. 3
B. 4
,C. 6
D. 5
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tachysystole is defined as >5 contractions in 10 minutes,
regardless of the presence or absence of FHR decelerations.
3. A fetal heart rate change is considered an ‘acceleration’ at 34 weeks gestation if it
increases above baseline by at least:
A. 10 bpm for 10 seconds
B. 20 bpm for 20 seconds
C. 15 bpm for 15 seconds
D. 15 bpm for 2 minutes
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For fetuses 32 weeks and older, an acceleration is defined as a
peak of 15 bpm above baseline for a duration of 15 seconds.
4. Which physiological mechanism is primarily responsible for the occurrence of early
decelerations?
A. Chemoreceptor stimulation due to hypoxia
B. Vagal nerve stimulation due to fetal head compression
C. Baroreceptor stimulation due to cord compression
, D. Respiratory acidosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Early decelerations are caused by fetal head compression, which
triggers a vagal response, slowing the heart rate.
5. A Category III FHR tracing is characterized by which of the following?
A. Minimal variability with recurrent late decelerations
B. Moderate variability with prolonged decelerations
C. Marked variability with tachycardia
D. Absent variability and recurrent late decelerations
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Category III includes absent variability AND any of: recurrent
late decelerations, recurrent variable decelerations, bradycardia, or a sinusoidal pattern.
6. What is the primary physiological goal of performing intrauterine resuscitation (e.g.,
maternal position change, fluid bolus)?
A. To increase maternal blood pressure
B. To decrease fetal heart rate variability
C. To stop uterine contractions permanently
D. To improve uteroplacental perfusion and fetal oxygenation
