NCC ELECTRONIC FETAL
MONITORING CERTIFICATION FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which component of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for the
decrease in fetal heart rate (FHR) during a vagal response?
A. Parasympathetic nervous system
B. Sympathetic nervous system
C. Somatic nervous system
D. Enteric nervous system
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The parasympathetic nervous system, primarily via the vagus
nerve, slows the FHR and is responsible for the beat-to-beat variability.
2. According to NICHD nomenclature, what is the definition of moderate FHR variability?
A. Amplitude range 6 to 25 bpm
B. Amplitude range 1 to 5 bpm
C. Amplitude range > 25 bpm
D. Amplitude range undetectable
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Moderate variability is defined as an amplitude range between 6
and 25 beats per minute (bpm).
3. What is the primary physiological mechanism responsible for early decelerations?
A. Umbilical cord compression
B. Fetal head compression
C. Uteroplacental insufficiency
D. Fetal hypoxia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Early decelerations are caused by fetal head compression, which
triggers a vagal response.
4. A sinusoidal FHR pattern is most commonly associated with which of the following
conditions?
A. Fetal sleep cycles
B. Severe fetal anemia
C. Maternal hypotension
D. Umbilical cord prolapse
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: A true sinusoidal pattern is a category III finding often
associated with severe fetal anemia or Rh isoimmunization.
5. Which of the following is required for a FHR pattern to be classified as Category I?
A. Baseline of 110-160 bpm and moderate variability
B. Presence of accelerations
C. Absence of early decelerations
D. Minimal variability with no decelerations
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Category I tracings require a baseline of 110-160 bpm, moderate
variability, and the absence of late or variable decelerations.
6. What defines uterine tachysystole?
A. More than 3 contractions in 10 minutes
B. A resting tone greater than 25 mmHg
C. Contractions lasting longer than 120 seconds
D. More than 5 contractions in 10 minutes averaged over 30 minutes
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tachysystole is defined as more than five contractions in 10
minutes, averaged over a 30-minute window.
MONITORING CERTIFICATION FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which component of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for the
decrease in fetal heart rate (FHR) during a vagal response?
A. Parasympathetic nervous system
B. Sympathetic nervous system
C. Somatic nervous system
D. Enteric nervous system
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The parasympathetic nervous system, primarily via the vagus
nerve, slows the FHR and is responsible for the beat-to-beat variability.
2. According to NICHD nomenclature, what is the definition of moderate FHR variability?
A. Amplitude range 6 to 25 bpm
B. Amplitude range 1 to 5 bpm
C. Amplitude range > 25 bpm
D. Amplitude range undetectable
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Moderate variability is defined as an amplitude range between 6
and 25 beats per minute (bpm).
3. What is the primary physiological mechanism responsible for early decelerations?
A. Umbilical cord compression
B. Fetal head compression
C. Uteroplacental insufficiency
D. Fetal hypoxia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Early decelerations are caused by fetal head compression, which
triggers a vagal response.
4. A sinusoidal FHR pattern is most commonly associated with which of the following
conditions?
A. Fetal sleep cycles
B. Severe fetal anemia
C. Maternal hypotension
D. Umbilical cord prolapse
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: A true sinusoidal pattern is a category III finding often
associated with severe fetal anemia or Rh isoimmunization.
5. Which of the following is required for a FHR pattern to be classified as Category I?
A. Baseline of 110-160 bpm and moderate variability
B. Presence of accelerations
C. Absence of early decelerations
D. Minimal variability with no decelerations
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Category I tracings require a baseline of 110-160 bpm, moderate
variability, and the absence of late or variable decelerations.
6. What defines uterine tachysystole?
A. More than 3 contractions in 10 minutes
B. A resting tone greater than 25 mmHg
C. Contractions lasting longer than 120 seconds
D. More than 5 contractions in 10 minutes averaged over 30 minutes
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tachysystole is defined as more than five contractions in 10
minutes, averaged over a 30-minute window.
