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A nurse is performing a nonstress test (NST) for a pregnant client at 32 weeks of gestation.

The nurse observes that the fetal heart rate (FHR) does not increase with fetal movement.

What factors could contribute to this result? (Select all that apply.)

A.

Maternal medications

B.

Fetal sleep cycle

C.

Maternal obesity

D.

Fetal breathing movements

E.

Technical errors

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,E

Maternal medications and technical errors can contribute to a nonreactive nonstress test (NST), which means that the fetal heart rate (FHR) does not increase with fetal movement. Some medications, such as narcotics, antihypertensives, and magnesium sulfate, can affect the FHR and its variability. Technical errors, such as poor transducer placement or loose belts, can also interfere with the accuracy of the NST.

Choice B is wrong because a fetal sleep cycle usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes, and the NST can be extended or repeated if the FHR is not reactive within 20 minutes. 

Choice C is wrong because maternal obesity does not affect the FHR or its reactivity, but it may make it harder to obtain a clear signal from the transducer. 

Choice D is wrong because fetal breathing movements are a sign of fetal well-being and do not cause a nonreactive NST.

A normal NST will show a baseline FHR between 110 and 160 beats per minute with moderate variability (5 to 25 interbeat variability) and two qualifying accelerations in 20 minutes with no decelerations. An acceleration is defined as an increase in the FHR of at least 15 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The test can tell me if my baby has any birth defects.

This statement indicates a need for further teaching because a nonstress test (NST) does not detect birth defects.An NST is a prenatal test that measures the fetal heart rate and movement to assess the health and oxygen supply of the fetus.It is usually done for high-risk pregnancies or when there are concerns about fetal well-being.

Choice A is correct because an NST is safe and simple for both the pregnant person and the fetus.It is a noninvasive test that does not pose any physical risks or stress.

Choice B is correct because an NST is inexpensive and widely available.It is a common test that can be done in most healthcare settings with minimal equipment.

Choice D is correct because an NST can be repeated as often as needed without any harm.It can be done at certain intervals or during delivery depending on the situation.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Reactive or reassuring.

This means that the fetal heart rate (FHR) increased by at least 15 beats per minute (BPM) above the baseline for 15 seconds on two occasions within a 20-minute period.This is a normal response that indicates that the baby is well oxygenated and not in distress.

Nonreactive or nonreassuring is wrong because this means that the FHR did not increase by at least 15 BPM above the baseline for 15 seconds on two occasions within a 40-minute period.This could indicate that the baby is not getting enough oxygen or has a problem with the nervous system.

Indeterminate or equivocal is wrong because this means that the FHR showed some variability but did not meet the criteria for a reactive or nonreactive test.This could be due to factors such as fetal sleep, medications, or maternal smoking.

Unsatisfactory or invalid is wrong because this means that the FHR was not recorded properly or there were too many contractions to interpret the test.This could be due to technical problems, maternal obesity, or fetal position.

Normal ranges for FHR are between 110 and 160 BPM at rest and between 120 and 180 BPM during movement.

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