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Abnormal CTG with suspected infection — DRCOG MCQ

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HardIntrapartum CareAbnormal CTG with suspected infectionDRCOG

A 30-year-old woman in labour at 39 weeks has continuous CTG for oxytocin augmentation. The baseline is 170 bpm, variability is 3 bpm and there are recurrent late decelerations. Maternal temperature is 38.3°C and pulse is 118 bpm. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: D — Stop oxytocin and arrange urgent obstetric review

This CTG is pathological with maternal pyrexia and tachycardia, so oxytocin should be stopped and urgent obstetric review arranged. Increasing oxytocin risks worsening fetal hypoxia. Intermittent auscultation is not appropriate when continuous monitoring has become abnormal. The pearl is that CTG interpretation must be integrated with maternal observations and uterotonic use.

Reference: NICE NG235