A nurse is reviewing the results of a nonstress test (NST) for a pregnant client at 32 weeks of gestation.
The nurse notes that the fetal heart rate (FHR) baseline is 140 bpm with moderate variability and two accelerations of 15 bpm lasting 15 seconds each in a 20-minute period.
How should the nurse interpret these findings?
The NST is reactive, indicating fetal well-being
The NST is nonreactive, indicating fetal compromise
The NST is inconclusive, requiring further testing
The NST is invalid, requiring a repeat test
The Correct Answer is A
The NST is reactive, indicating fetal well-being. A reactive NST means that the fetal heart rate increases by at least 15 bpm for at least 15 seconds twice or more in a 20-minute period. This shows that the fetus is healthy and getting enough oxygen.
Choice B is wrong because a nonreactive NST means that the fetal heart rate does not show the expected accelerations in a 40-minute period, which may indicate fetal compromise.
Choice C is wrong because an inconclusive NST means that the test results are unclear or not enough data was collected, which may require further testing.
Choice D is wrong because an invalid NST means that the test was not performed correctly or there was interference with the fetal heart rate monitoring, which may require a repeat test.
Normal ranges for fetal heart rate are 110 to 160 bpm with moderate variability (5 to 25 bpm) and no decelerations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Offer the client a snack or juice to stimulate fetal activity.
A nonstress test (NST) is a pregnancy screening that measures fetal heart rate and reaction to movement.It is performed to make sure the fetus is healthy and getting enough oxygen.A reactive NST means that the fetal heart rate increases by at least 15 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds twice in a 20-minute period.A nonreactive NST means that this criteria is not met.
Choice B is wrong because applying an acoustic stimulator to elicit fetal movement is not recommended as a routine practice and may cause fetal distress.
Choice C is wrong because stopping the test and notifying the provider immediately is not necessary unless there are signs of fetal compromise, such as severe variable or late decelerations, or a nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern.
Choice D is wrong because extending the test for another 20 minutes may not change the result and may prolong the discomfort of the client.A nonreactive NST does not mean there is a problem, but it may require further testing, such as a biophysical profile or a contraction stress test.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The NST is reactive, indicating fetal well-being.A reactive NST means that the fetal heart rate increases by at least15 bpmfor at least15 secondstwice or more in a20-minuteperiod.This shows that the fetus is healthy and getting enough oxygen.
Choice B is wrong because a nonreactive NST means that the fetal heart rate does not show the expected accelerations in a 40-minute period, which may indicate fetal compromise.
Choice C is wrong because an inconclusive NST means that the test results are unclear or not enough data was collected, which may require further testing.
Choice D is wrong because an invalid NST means that the test was not performed correctly or there was interference with the fetal heart rate monitoring, which may require a repeat test.
Normal ranges for fetal heart rate are110 to 160 bpmwith moderate variability (5 to 25 bpm) and no decelerations.
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