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Acute fetal bradycardia — DRCOG MCQ

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HardLabourAcute fetal bradycardiaDRCOG

A 23-year-old woman in established labour has a continuous CTG showing a fetal heart rate of 80 bpm for 5 minutes. Maternal blood pressure is normal and there has been no recent opioid. The cervix is 7 cm dilated. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Call senior obstetric and midwifery help immediately

Sustained fetal bradycardia is an acute intrapartum emergency requiring immediate senior assessment and intrauterine resuscitative measures while preparing for expedited birth if it persists. Continuing for 30 minutes without escalation is unsafe. Oral glucose and discharge are inappropriate. CTG abnormalities should be interpreted and acted on rather than hidden.

Reference: NICE NG235