North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

Can the severity of fetal distress be determined solely by the depth of decelerations in a late deceleration pattern?

1. Yes, deeper decelerations indicate more fetal distress

2. No, severity cannot be judged solely by depth

3. Yes, shallow decelerations are always more concerning

4. No, only the fetal heart rate baseline matters

The correct answer is: No, severity cannot be judged solely by depth

The assessment of fetal distress involves evaluating a combination of factors, including the pattern and depth of decelerations, variability, and the overall context of the fetal heart rate tracing. While deeper decelerations may suggest a potential issue, they are not the only indicator of fetal wellbeing. Other elements, such as the duration of the deceleration, the presence of variability, and the mother's condition can significantly influence the interpretation of fetal heart rate patterns. Fetal heart rate monitoring involves a holistic approach where multiple indicators are taken into account rather than relying solely on the depth of decelerations. Therefore, depth alone is not a definitive measure of severity since it doesn't provide a complete picture of the fetal condition. The combination of these different factors helps ensure that assessment and intervention, if necessary, are carried out appropriately.