NCC ELECTRONIC FETAL MONITORING CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS

NCC ELECTRONIC FETAL MONITORING CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS 1. What is the normal range for fetal heart rate baseline? a. 100-150 bpm b. 110-160 bpm c. 120-170 bpm d. 90-140 bpm Answer: b. 110-160 bpm Rationale: The normal FHR baseline range is 110-160 bpm. This is established by NICHD guidelines and represents the average FHR over a 10-minute period excluding accelerations, decelerations, and periods of marked variability. ________________________________________ 2. Which of the following is the primary factor determining fetal oxygenation? a. Maternal hemoglobin level b. Uterine blood flow c. Placental thickness d. Fetal position Answer: b. Uterine blood flow Rationale: Uterine blood flow is the primary determinant of fetal oxygenation as it delivers oxygenated blood to the intervillous space where fetal gas exchange occurs. ________________________________________ 3. What is the most common cause of early decelerations? a. Cord compression b. Uteroplacental insufficiency c. Head compression d. Maternal hypotension Answer: c. Head compression Rationale: Early decelerations are typically benign and result from vagal stimulation due to fetal head compression during contractions, mirroring the contraction pattern. ________________________________________ 4. The sympathetic nervous system affects the fetal heart by: a. Decreasing heart rate b. Having no effect on heart rate c. Increasing heart rate d. Decreasing stroke volume Answer: c. Increasing heart rate Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system is a cardioaccelerator that increases heart rate through release of catecholamines. ________________________________________ 5. What is the primary neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system? a. Norepinephrine b. Epinephrine c. Acetylcholine d. Dopamine Answer: c. Acetylcholine Rationale: Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts on the heart to decrease heart rate via the vagus nerve. ________________________________________ 6. Which condition is most likely to cause decreased placental perfusion? a. Maternal exercise b. Maternal dehydration c. Maternal hypertension d. Maternal anemia Answer: c. Maternal hypertension Rationale: Hypertension causes vasoconstriction of uterine vessels, reducing blood flow to the placenta and compromising fetal oxygenation. ________________________________________ 7. What is the initial fetal response to hypoxemia? a. Decrease in heart rate b. Increase in heart rate c. Decrease in fetal movement d. Increase in fetal breathing Answer: b. Increase in heart rate Rationale: The initial fetal response to hypoxemia is tachycardia due to sympathetic stimulation and release of catecholamines. ________________________________________ 8. Baroreceptor stimulation typically results in: a. Tachycardia b. Bradycardia c. No change in heart rate d. Increased variability Answer: b. Bradycardia Rationale: Baroreceptors are stretch receptors in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses that respond to increased blood pressure by stimulating the vagus nerve, resulting in bradycardia. ________________________________________ 9. Which of the following medications can cause a decrease in fetal heart rate variability? a. Terbutaline b. Magnesium sulfate c. Oxytocin d. Corticosteroids Answer: b. Magnesium sulfate Rationale: Magnesium sulfate crosses the placenta and can cause decreased FHR variability due to its central nervous system depressant effects. ________________________________________ 10. The primary purpose of fetal heart rate monitoring is to: a. Predict the fetal gender b. Detect fetal hypoxia c. Determine fetal weight d. Assess fetal maturity