The absence of an acceleration reliably predicts acidemia.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It predicts alkalemia
• D. It predicts fetal anemia

Answer: (B)

Accelerations reflect a healthy fetal response to movement and adequate oxygenation. The absence of accelerations, by itself, does not reliably indicate acidemia. Acidemia develops from sustained hypoxia and is better predicted by patterns such as persistent late decelerations, markedly reduced or absent variability, and bradycardia. Some fetuses with acidemia may still have occasional accelerations, and healthy fetuses can temporarily lack accelerations during sleep or due to other factors. Therefore, you can’t diagnose acidemia from missing accelerations alone; always interpret accelerations as part of the overall tracing rhythm and pattern, and pursue additional assessment or interventions if the overall picture is concerning.