The baseline fetal heart rate in this tracing is:
155 beats per minute
Indeterminate
Tachycardia
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract–Based NCC C-EFM References:
On the tracing:
FHR consistently ranges 170–185 bpm.
Variability remains present, confirming adequate signal.
This pattern persists for the required minimum 10-minute baseline window.
NICHD/NCC define fetal tachycardia as:
Baseline > 160 bpm for at least 10 minutes
Because the FHR is well above 160 for the whole reviewable period, the baseline is tachycardic.
Why the other answers are incorrect:
A. 155 bpm — Too low; FHR visually averages well above this.
B. Indeterminate — Not applicable; variability is clear and the tracing meets the ≥10-minute rule.
Correct answer: C. Tachycardia
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