1. What are the two types of electronic fetal monitoring and how do they

differ?

- The two types of electronic fetal monitoring are external and internal.

External monitoring uses a transducer placed on the maternal abdomen to

detect the fetal heart rate and a tocodynamometer to measure the uterine

contractions. Internal monitoring uses a spiral electrode attached to the fetal

scalp or other presenting part to record the fetal heart rate and an

intrauterine pressure catheter to measure the uterine contractions. Internal

monitoring provides more accurate and continuous data, but it requires

ruptured membranes, cervical dilation, and fetal descent. It also poses a

higher risk of infection and injury to the fetus.

- Rationale: This question tests the students' knowledge of the basic concepts

and principles of electronic fetal monitoring, which is essential for interpreting

the fetal heart rate patterns and intervening appropriately.

2. What are the four categories of fetal heart rate variability and what do they

indicate?

- The four categories of fetal heart rate variability are absent, minimal,

moderate, and marked. Absent variability means that there is no fluctuation in

the fetal heart rate baseline, minimal variability means that there is less than

5 beats per minute (bpm) fluctuation, moderate variability means that there is

6 to 25 bpm fluctuation, and marked variability means that there is more than

25 bpm fluctuation. Moderate variability is considered normal and indicates a

healthy fetal nervous system. Absent or minimal variability may indicate fetal

hypoxia, acidosis, or neurologic impairment. Marked variability may indicate

fetal stimulation, cord compression, or arrhythmia.

- Rationale: This question tests the students' ability to identify and describe

the different categories of fetal heart rate variability, which is one of the most

important parameters for assessing fetal well-being.

3. What are the three types of decelerations in electronic fetal monitoring and

what are their causes and implications?

- The three types of decelerations are early, late, and variable. Early

decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the fetal heart rate that coincide

with the onset, peak, and end of a uterine contraction. They are caused by

fetal head compression during labor and are benign and reassuring. Late

decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the fetal heart rate that start after

the onset, reach the lowest point after the peak, and end after the end of a

uterine contraction. They are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency and