The most common cause of decreased variability in the fetal heart rate (FHR) that lasts 30 minutes or less is:

fetal sleep cycles.

umbilical cord compression.

altered cerebral blood flow.

fetal hypoxemia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Fetal sleep cycles are a normal physiological cause of decreased variability in the FHR, which is the fluctuation of the baseline FHR above and below 2 cycles per minute. Fetal sleep cycles usually last 20 to 40 minutes and do not affect the fetal well-being.

Choice B reason: Umbilical cord compression is an abnormal cause of decreased variability in the FHR, as it reduces the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. It can also cause variable decelerations, which are abrupt decreases in the FHR below the baseline.

Choice C reason: Altered cerebral blood flow is an abnormal cause of decreased variability in the FHR, as it indicates a compromise in the fetal central nervous system. It can also cause late decelerations, which are gradual decreases in the FHR after the peak of a contraction.

Choice D reason: Fetal hypoxemia is an abnormal cause of decreased variability in the FHR, as it reflects a severe lack of oxygen in the fetal blood. It can also cause sinusoidal pattern, which is a smooth, undulating waveform in the FHR.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Biophysical profile is a test that assesses the fetal well-being by measuring five parameters: fetal breathing movements, fetal movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart rate. It does not predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

Choice B reason: Lecithin/sphingomyelin [L/S] ratio is a test that measures the amount of two phospholipids in the amniotic fluid. It is used to evaluate the fetal lung maturity and the risk of respiratory distress syndrome. It does not predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

Choice C reason: Type and crossmatch of maternal and fetal serum is a test that determines the blood type and Rh factor of the mother and the fetus. It is used to identify the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn due to Rh incompatibility. It does not predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

Choice D reason: Multiple-marker screening is a test that measures the levels of four substances in the maternal serum: alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol, and inhibin A. It is used to estimate the risk of Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects in the fetus.

A. compensate for decreased renal plasma flow. B. prevent maternal and fetal dehydration. C. provide adequate perfusion of the placenta. D. eliminate metabolic wastes of the mother.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Vascular volume increases during pregnancy to meet the increased oxygen and nutrient demands of the fetus, not to compensate for decreased renal plasma flow. In fact, renal plasma flow increases by 50% to 80% during pregnancy to facilitate the excretion of metabolic wastes.

Choice B reason: Vascular volume increases during pregnancy to ensure adequate blood supply to the uterus and other organs, not to prevent maternal and fetal dehydration. Dehydration can occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake, and it can be prevented by drinking enough fluids and replacing electrolytes.

Choice C reason: Vascular volume increases during pregnancy to provide adequate perfusion of the placenta, which is the main organ of gas exchange and nutrient delivery for the fetus. The placenta receives about 10% of the maternal cardiac output at term.

Choice D reason: Vascular volume increases during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the fetus and the maternal tissues, not to eliminate metabolic wastes of the mother. Metabolic wastes are eliminated by the kidneys, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.

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The most common cause of decreased variability in the fetal heart rate (FHR) that lasts 30 minutes or less is:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which analysis of maternal serum may predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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