Labour: sinusoidal pattern: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Labour: sinusoidal pattern

Sample item

A smooth, undulating sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern is most characteristic of:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Severe fetal anaemia

A true sinusoidal pattern (regular 3 to 5 cycles per minute, amplitude 5 to 15 bpm, absent variability) indicates severe fetal anaemia, for example in Rh alloimmunisation or fetomaternal haemorrhage, or severe hypoxia. It is an ominous finding requiring urgent action.

Option by option

  • A. Head compression

    Head compression gives early decelerations.

  • B. Maternal hypotension only

    Hypotension produces late decelerations, not a sinusoidal pattern.

  • C. Severe fetal anaemia (correct)

    Correct. Severe anaemia produces this pattern.

  • D. Normal active sleep

    Active sleep shows normal variability.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is C, Severe fetal anaemia. A true sinusoidal pattern (regular 3 to 5 cycles per minute, amplitude 5 to 15 bpm, absent variability) indicates severe fetal anaemia, for example in Rh alloimmunisation or fetomaternal haemorrhage, or severe hypoxia.

Why is "Head compression" not the answer?

Head compression gives early decelerations.

Why is "Maternal hypotension only" not the answer?

Hypotension produces late decelerations, not a sinusoidal pattern.

Why is "Normal active sleep" not the answer?

Active sleep shows normal variability.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: sinusoidal pattern in OBG. It is an ominous finding requiring urgent action.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Labour: sinusoidal pattern?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.