North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

Variable decelerations with a slow return to baseline and absence of variability could indicate what?

1. A normal fetal response to contractions

2. A seriously compromised fetus

3. A false alarm, requiring no intervention

4. Low maternal blood pressure

The correct answer is: A seriously compromised fetus

Variable decelerations with a slow return to baseline and an absence of variability can indicate that the fetus is experiencing significant distress. When the return to the baseline is slow, it may suggest that the fetus is not adequately responding to the changes in uterine contractions or that there are issues with the umbilical cord, such as cord compression. The absence of variability further implies that there may be an issue with the fetal heart rate regulation, which is a sign of a compromised fetal condition. In a healthy fetus, one would expect to see variability in the heart rate, as this reflects a well-functioning nervous system and the fetus's ability to respond to environmental stimuli, including the contractions. A seriously compromised fetus, on the other hand, may not show this variability, indicating potential hypoxia or other critical problems that need to be addressed promptly to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Other options, such as a normal fetal response or a false alarm requiring no intervention, would not account for the concerning nature of the heart rate patterns described. Low maternal blood pressure could contribute to fetal distress but is not directly indicated by the specific heart rate pattern described. Overall, this situation underscores the need for close monitoring and immediate action to assess and manage