Question

All bad fetal heart tracings begin with __________.

1) Decreased variability
2) Late decelerations
3) Early decelerations
4) Variable decelerations

Answer 1

Bad fetal heart tracings typically start with decreased variability, which can be a sign of fetal distress due to insufficient oxygenated blood flow following contractions, potentially leading to emergency birth interventions.

Step-by-step explanation:

All bad fetal heart tracings typically begin with decreased variability. Decreased variability indicates that there is less fluctuation in the fetal heart rate over time, which can signal distress and potential hypoxia. In the womb, during labor, it is vital that there be a relaxation period after each contraction to allow oxygenated blood flow to be restored to the fetus. Excessive contractions can result in a sustained decrease or increase in the fetal heart rate, which can be an indication of fetal distress. In such cases, to prevent harm to the fetus, an emergency birth might be necessary using interventions such as vacuum, forceps, or a Caesarian section.