NCC ELECTRONIC FETAL
MONITORING CERTIFICATION FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the NICHD terminology, what is the definition of baseline fetal heart rate?
A. The average FHR recorded over a 2-minute period of monitoring.
B. The mean FHR rounded to increments of 5 bpm during a 10-minute segment.
C. The highest FHR observed during a 20-minute window of observation.
D. The median FHR excluding accelerations and decelerations over 30 minutes.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Baseline FHR is the mean FHR rounded to increments of 5 bpm
during a 10-minute segment, excluding periodic or episodic changes and periods of marked
variability.
2. Which of the following is the primary cause of early decelerations?
A. Uteroplacental insufficiency
B. Umbilical cord compression
C. Maternal hypotension
D. Fetal head compression
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Early decelerations are caused by fetal head compression, which
triggers a vagal response and a gradual decrease in FHR that mirrors the contraction.
3. What range defines ‘moderate’ baseline FHR variability?
A. Undetectable
B. 6 to 25 bpm
C. 1 to 5 bpm
D. Greater than 25 bpm
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Moderate variability is defined as a range of 6 to 25 beats per
minute and is a highly reliable sign of an oxygenated fetal central nervous system.
4. A Category III FHR tracing is characterized by which of the following?
A. Moderate variability with accelerations
B. Minimal variability with early decelerations
C. Absent variability with recurrent late decelerations
D. Tachycardia with moderate variability
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Category III tracings are abnormal and include absent variability
with recurrent late decelerations, recurrent variable decelerations, bradycardia, or a
sinusoidal pattern.
5. What is the definition of tachysystole?
A. More than 5 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30 minutes.
B. More than 3 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30 minutes.
C. Contractions lasting longer than 120 seconds.
D. A resting tone greater than 25 mmHg using an IUPC.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Tachysystole is defined as more than five contractions in 10
minutes, averaged over a 30-minute window.
6. Variable decelerations are typically associated with:
A. Head compression
B. Maternal fever
C. Placental abruption
D. Cord compression
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Variable decelerations are caused by umbilical cord
compression, leading to an abrupt decrease in FHR.
MONITORING CERTIFICATION FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the NICHD terminology, what is the definition of baseline fetal heart rate?
A. The average FHR recorded over a 2-minute period of monitoring.
B. The mean FHR rounded to increments of 5 bpm during a 10-minute segment.
C. The highest FHR observed during a 20-minute window of observation.
D. The median FHR excluding accelerations and decelerations over 30 minutes.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Baseline FHR is the mean FHR rounded to increments of 5 bpm
during a 10-minute segment, excluding periodic or episodic changes and periods of marked
variability.
2. Which of the following is the primary cause of early decelerations?
A. Uteroplacental insufficiency
B. Umbilical cord compression
C. Maternal hypotension
D. Fetal head compression
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Early decelerations are caused by fetal head compression, which
triggers a vagal response and a gradual decrease in FHR that mirrors the contraction.
3. What range defines ‘moderate’ baseline FHR variability?
A. Undetectable
B. 6 to 25 bpm
C. 1 to 5 bpm
D. Greater than 25 bpm
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Moderate variability is defined as a range of 6 to 25 beats per
minute and is a highly reliable sign of an oxygenated fetal central nervous system.
4. A Category III FHR tracing is characterized by which of the following?
A. Moderate variability with accelerations
B. Minimal variability with early decelerations
C. Absent variability with recurrent late decelerations
D. Tachycardia with moderate variability
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Category III tracings are abnormal and include absent variability
with recurrent late decelerations, recurrent variable decelerations, bradycardia, or a
sinusoidal pattern.
5. What is the definition of tachysystole?
A. More than 5 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30 minutes.
B. More than 3 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30 minutes.
C. Contractions lasting longer than 120 seconds.
D. A resting tone greater than 25 mmHg using an IUPC.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Tachysystole is defined as more than five contractions in 10
minutes, averaged over a 30-minute window.
6. Variable decelerations are typically associated with:
A. Head compression
B. Maternal fever
C. Placental abruption
D. Cord compression
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Variable decelerations are caused by umbilical cord
compression, leading to an abrupt decrease in FHR.
