A nurse is preparing a client for a Contraction Stress Test (CST).

Which method can be used to induce uterine contractions during the test?

The correct answer is choice A. Notify the health care provider immediately.

This is because cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours after amniocentesis are signs of possible complications, such as injury to the baby or mother, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, Rh sensitization, preterm labor, or miscarriage.

These complications are rare, but they can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

Choice B is wrong because administering pain medication to the patient does not address the underlying cause of the cramping and bleeding, and may delay seeking help.

Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to rest and elevate her legs may not prevent further complications, and may also delay seeking help.

Choice D is wrong because offering emotional support and reassurance to the patient is not enough to ensure the safety of the baby and the mother, and may give a false sense of security.

Normal ranges for amniocentesis are:

No chromosomal defects detected in the fetus and no abnormal proteins present in amniotic fluid

No signs of infection or other illness in the baby

Fetal lungs mature enough for birth if delivery is planned sooner than 39 weeks

A contraction stress test (CST) is a test that simulates labor contractions to see how the baby’s heart rate responds to the stress of uterine contractions.

The biggest risk of the test is that it may cause the pregnant person to go into labor before their due date.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice B. Premature rupture of membranes.

This is a condition where the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins.

It can increase the risk of infection and cord prolapse, but it is not a direct complication of CST.

Choice C. Infection.

This is a possible risk of any invasive procedure, but CST is usually done with external fetal monitoring and oxytocin infusion, which do not require breaking the skin or entering the uterus.

Choice D. Bleeding.

This is a potential risk of CST for people who have placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the cervix and can detach during contractions.

However, CST is not recommended for people who have placenta previa or other conditions that increase the risk of uterine rupture or bleeding.