Question

Which of the following FHR tracing characteristics are considered reassuring or normal (category I)?

1) Bradycardia not accompanied by baseline variability
2) Early decelerations, either present or absent
3) Sinusoidal pattern
4) Tachycardia

Answer 1

Reassuring or normal FHR tracing characteristics (category I) include early decelerations, baseline variability, accelerations, and normal baseline rate. Bradycardia not accompanied by baseline variability and sinusoidal pattern are not considered reassuring or normal.

Step-by-step explanation:

In fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing, the following characteristics are considered reassuring or normal (category I):

1. Early decelerations, which are decelerations in FHR that occur simultaneously with contractions and are considered a normal response to head compression during labor.
2. Baseline variability, which refers to fluctuations in the FHR baseline and is a sign of a healthy fetal nervous system.
3. Accelerations, which are temporary increases in FHR and indicate a responsive and well-oxygenated fetus.
4. Normal baseline rate, which typically ranges between 110 and 160 beats per minute.

On the other hand, bradycardia not accompanied by baseline variability and sinusoidal pattern are not considered reassuring or normal and may indicate fetal distress.