A woman experiences an eclamptic seizure during the second stage of labor. An anticipated fetal heart rate abnormality post-seizure would be:
Bradycardia
Sinusoidal pattern
Variable decelerations
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From NCC-Aligned Emergency Fetal Response Principles:
Following an eclamptic seizure:
Maternal hypoxia, apnea, and intense sympathetic discharge occur
Uteroplacental perfusion drops
Fetus experiences acute hypoxemia
The expected fetal heart rate response is a prolonged bradycardia
This is well-described in NCC and AWHONN emergency physiology:
“Post-seizure fetal bradycardia is common and often resolves within 5–10 minutes as maternal oxygenation stabilizes.”
Why other answers are incorrect:
B. Sinusoidal pattern — Rare and usually indicates fetal anemia, not post-seizure status.
C. Variable decelerations — Associated with cord compression, not seizures.
Correct answer: A. Bradycardia
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