Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract Without Links:

NCC examination standards and AWHONN clearly state that normal Category I patterns have the highest interobserver agreement because they contain objective, easily identifiable components:

• baseline 110–160 bpm

• moderate variability

• absence of late or variable decelerations

• presence or absence of accelerations

Simpson highlights that Category II tracings have poor reliability due to multiple combinations of variability and decelerations, while Category III patterns have higher agreement but occur far less frequently, limiting reliability measures.

Research cited within NCC-endorsed materials confirms that clinicians demonstrate the greatest agreement in identifying normal Category I patterns, making normal the correct answer.

====================================================