NCC Certified Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) Practice Exam

What intervention is appropriate when absent variability is noted in EFM?

1. Continue monitoring

2. Administer oxytocin

3. Perform an amniotomy

4. Notify the physician

The correct answer is: Notify the physician

When absent variability is noted in electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), it is crucial to act appropriately because this can be an indicator of potential fetal distress or compromised oxygenation. Notifying the physician is essential as it allows for immediate evaluation and intervention, which could include further assessment or treatment options necessary to support the fetus and improve conditions, such as increasing blood flow or oxygen supply. The presence of absent variability may suggest a concerning situation that requires medical expertise to navigate, which makes communication with the physician vital. This intervention aligns with the best practices in obstetric care, prioritizing timely and informed decisions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus. The other interventions, while they may have their appropriate contexts, are not the immediate steps to take when faced with absent variability. Continuing to monitor might overlook the urgency of the situation, administering oxytocin could exacerbate potential issues related to uterine activity, and performing an amniotomy would depend on the clinical circumstances and should not be initiated without a thorough analysis of fetal health, particularly when there are concerns about variability. Thus, notifying the physician is the best course of action in this scenario.