What is the cause of early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) of a laboring woman?

Cerebral compression

Cord compression

Uteroplacental insufficiency

Spontaneous rupture of membranes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Cerebral compression is the cause of early decelerations, as it reflects the fetal head compression during uterine contractions. Early decelerations are decreases in the FHR that begin and end with the onset and end of a contraction, respectively. They are symmetrical and mirror the shape of the contraction. Early decelerations are normal and benign, as they indicate that the fetus is responding to the increased intracranial pressure and maintaining adequate oxygenation.

Choice B reason: Cord compression is not the cause of early decelerations but of variable decelerations. Variable decelerations are abrupt and irregular decreases in the FHR that vary in onset, duration, and depth. They are usually caused by the umbilical cord being compressed or occluded by the fetal body, the maternal pelvis, or the uterine contractions. Variable decelerations can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, especially if they are severe, frequent, or prolonged.

Choice C reason: Uteroplacental insufficiency is not the cause of early decelerations, but of late decelerations. Late decelerations are decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of a contraction and return to the baseline after the contraction ends. They are symmetrical and have a gradual onset and recovery. They are usually caused by the reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta and the fetus due to maternal or fetal factors. Late decelerations can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, and require immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: Spontaneous rupture of membranes is not the cause of early decelerations, but it can be a risk factor for cord compression and variable decelerations. Spontaneous rupture of membranes is the breaking of the amniotic sac and the release of the amniotic fluid, which usually occurs during labor or shortly before it. Spontaneous rupture of membranes can cause the umbilical cord to prolapse or slip into the vagina, where it can be compressed or kinked by the fetal head or the contractions.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: HSV-2 is a viral infection that causes genital herpes. It is transmitted through sexual contact and can cause painful blisters and ulcers in the genital area. The primary infection is usually the most severe and lasts for several weeks. After the primary infection, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells and can reactivate periodically, causing recurrent episodes of genital herpes. The frequency and severity of the recurrences vary from person to person.

Choice B reason: HPV is a viral infection that causes genital warts and cervical cancer. It is transmitted through sexual contact and can infect the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area. The primary infection is often asymptomatic and may clear spontaneously or persist for years. HPV does not cause recurrent episodes of genital warts or cervical cancer, but it can increase the risk of developing these conditions over time.

Choice C reason: CMV is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and can affect various organs. It is transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, and semen. The primary infection is usually mild and may go unnoticed. After the primary infection, the virus remains latent in the body and can reactivate in people with weakened immune systems, causing serious complications. CMV does not cause recurrent episodes of flu-like symptoms or organ damage, but it can worsen the condition of people with HIV or AIDS.

Choice D reason: HIV is a viral infection that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusion, or sharing of needles. The primary infection is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms and lasts for a few weeks. After the primary infection, the virus gradually destroys the immune system and makes the person vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers. HIV does not cause recurrent episodes of flu-like symptoms or AIDS, but it can progress to AIDS over time.

A. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) B. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 C. Human papillomavirus (HPV) D. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is characterized by a progressive decline of the immune system, leading to opportunistic infections and cancers. It does not have recurrent episodes, but rather a chronic and incurable course.

Choice B reason: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes. It is characterized by a primary infection followed by recurrent episodes of painful blisters and ulcers in the genital area. The virus remains latent in the nerve cells and can reactivate periodically or in response to triggers such as stress, illness, or menstruation.

Choice C reason: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts and cervical cancer. It is characterized by a persistent infection that may or may not produce symptoms. It does not have recurrent episodes, but rather a variable and unpredictable course.

Choice D reason: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes mild or asymptomatic infections in healthy adults. It is characterized by a latent infection that can reactivate in immunocompromised individuals, causing serious complications such as retinitis, pneumonia, or encephalitis. It does not have recurrent episodes, but rather a dormant and opportunistic course.

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What is the cause of early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) of a laboring woman?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which viral sexually transmitted infection is characterized by a primary infection followed by recurrent episodes?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which viral sexually transmitted infection is characterized by a primary infection followed by recurrent episodes?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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