**Core Concept**
Fetal distress is a condition where a fetus experiences stress or hypoxia, which can lead to various physiological changes. The underlying cause of fetal distress can be related to maternal, placental, or fetal factors. In this context, understanding the features of fetal distress is crucial for timely intervention and management.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Fetal distress can manifest through various physiological changes, including:
- **Bradycardia**: a decrease in fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute, indicating fetal compromise.
- **Tachycardia**: an increase in fetal heart rate above 160 beats per minute, suggesting fetal stress.
- **Variable Decelerations**: changes in the baseline fetal heart rate, often indicative of umbilical cord compression.
- **Late Decelerations**: decreased fetal heart rate occurring after the peak of the maternal uterine contraction, suggesting uteroplacental insufficiency.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** [Insert incorrect option A here]
This option is incorrect because [insert reason why this option is wrong, e.g., it's not a feature of fetal distress, or it's a feature but not the best answer choice].

**Option B:** [Insert incorrect option B here]
This option is incorrect because [insert reason why this option is wrong].

**Option C:** [Insert incorrect option C here]
This option is incorrect because [insert reason why this option is wrong].

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key aspect to remember is that fetal distress can be a late manifestation of a pre-existing condition. Early identification of risk factors and timely intervention are crucial in preventing long-term consequences for the fetus.

**Correct Answer:** D.