FHR Monitoring V2 Practice Test 2025 - Free Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Practice Questions and Study Guide

A Category III FHR pattern is characterized by specific criteria indicating abnormal fetal heart rate patterns that may suggest fetal distress. One of the defining features is absent variability combined with recurrent late decelerations. When there is absent variability, it indicates that the fetal heart rate is not changing in relation to fetal movement, which can signal compromised fetal oxygenation. Recurrent late decelerations happen after a contraction and indicate that the fetus may not be getting enough oxygen during labor, often a response to uteroplacental insufficiency.

This critical understanding of FHR patterns is essential for healthcare providers, as Category III patterns require immediate assessment and potential intervention to ensure fetal well-being. The other options represent different FHR patterns that do not meet the criteria for a Category III classification. For example, a baseline FHR within the range of 110-160 bpm implies a normal traceline (not Category III), while moderate variability without decelerations shows a reassuring pattern indicating the fetus is likely to be healthy and well-oxygenated. Reassuring patterns with accelerations also signify a healthy fetal condition.