Fetal surveillance: variable decelerations: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Fetal surveillance: variable decelerations

Sample item

A fetal heart trace shows abrupt V-shaped decelerations with variable timing in relation to contractions. What is the usual mechanism?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Umbilical cord compression

Variable decelerations are abrupt changes in fetal heart rate most often caused by intermittent umbilical cord compression. Their depth, duration, recovery, and overall trace context determine concern.

Option by option

  • A. Placental abruption in every case

    Abruption can cause fetal compromise but does not define the V-shaped variable pattern.

  • B. Fetal anemia only

    Fetal anemia may cause sinusoidal pattern rather than typical variables.

  • C. Maternal fever only

    Fever more often causes baseline fetal tachycardia.

  • D. Umbilical cord compression (correct)

    Correct. Abrupt variable decelerations commonly arise from cord compression.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More OBG questions

Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is D, Umbilical cord compression. Variable decelerations are abrupt changes in fetal heart rate most often caused by intermittent umbilical cord compression.

Why is "Placental abruption in every case" not the answer?

Abruption can cause fetal compromise but does not define the V-shaped variable pattern.

Why is "Fetal anemia only" not the answer?

Fetal anemia may cause sinusoidal pattern rather than typical variables.

Why is "Maternal fever only" not the answer?

Fever more often causes baseline fetal tachycardia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fetal surveillance: variable decelerations in OBG. Their depth, duration, recovery, and overall trace context determine concern.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Fetal surveillance: variable decelerations?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.