A nurse is evaluating the results of a fetal non-stress test (NST) for a client who has diabetes mellitus and is at 36 weeks of gestation.

The nurse notes that the fetal heart rate (FHR) baseline is 150 bpm, with occasional increases of 20 bpm that last for 20 seconds.

There are no decelerations of the FHR.

How should the nurse document this finding?

“You will need to press a button when you feel the baby move.” This is because a non-stress test (NST) is a pregnancy screening that measures fetal heart rate and reaction to movement.The test is performed to make sure the fetus is healthy and getting enough oxygen.By pressing a button when the baby moves, the patient can help the provider record the changes in the fetal heart rate.

Choice A is wrong because the patient does not need to fast for 8 hours before the test.There is no dietary restriction for an NST.

Choice B is wrong because the patient does not need to drink plenty of fluids before the test.However, drinking some fluids may help stimulate fetal movement.

Choice C is wrong because the patient does not need to lie on their back during the test.In fact, lying on the back can compress the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the fetus.The patient can lie on their side or recline on a chair or exam table.

“The NST can be affected by my smoking or medication use.” This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching because smoking and medication use can alter the fetal heart rate response and cause false-negative or false-positive results.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

• Choice A is wrong because the NST cannot detect chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.

The NST only measures the fetal heart rate and movement, not the genetic makeup of the baby.To detect chromosomal abnormalities, other tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling are needed.

• Choice B is wrong because the NST does not cause contractions or discomfort for the mother or the baby.The NST is a non-invasive and painless procedure that does not put any stress on the fetus.The only discomfort that may occur is from having a belt around the abdomen and a button to press when feeling fetal movement.

• Choice D is wrong because the NST cannot measure the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.

The NST only monitors the fetal heart rate and movement, not the volume of fluid in the uterus.To measure the amount of amniotic fluid, other tests such as ultrasound or amniotic fluid index are needed.