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Non-Stress Test (NST)

  • NST is a prenatal screening test that measures the fetal heart rate (FHR) in response to fetal movements

    • NST can assess fetal well-being and identify fetal hypoxia or distress
    • NST is usually performed after 28 weeks of gestation or earlier if there are risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), .
    • NST involves placing two belts with sensors on the pregnant person’s abdomen: one to monitor the FHR and one to monitor the uterine contractions
    • NST requires the pregnant person to press a button whenever they feel the fetus move
    • NST is usually done for 20 to 40 minutes or until at least two fetal movements are recorded
    • NST is interpreted as reactive or nonreactive
    • A reactive NST means that the FHR increases by at least 15 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds twice or more in a 20-minute period
    • A reactive NST indicates adequate fetal oxygenation and normal fetal neurological function
    • A nonreactive NST means that the FHR does not meet the criteria for a reactive NST
    • A nonreactive NST may indicate fetal hypoxia, distress, sleep, medication effect, or neurological abnormality
    • A nonreactive NST requires further evaluation such as a biophysical profile (BPP) or a contraction stress test (CST)
    • NST has no risks or complications for the pregnant person or the fetus

Questions on Non-Stress Test (NST)

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

NST is not a prenatal screening test that measures the FHR in response to fetal movements. NST is a prenatal diagnostic test that measures the FHR in response to uterine contractions.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

It does not answer the question of how long the NST is usually performed. It only explains how the NST is interpreted, which is as reactive or nonreactive.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Both inadequate fetal oxygenation and abnormal fetal neurological function are serious problems that require immediate medical attention.

FHR increases by less than 10 beats/min for less than 10 seconds twice or more in a 20-minute period. This indicates that the test is nonreactive, which means the baby’s heart rate did not increase enough to meet the criteria for a reactive test.

Inadequate fetal oxygenation and abnormal fetal neurological function. A nonreactive NST shows no increase in the fetal heart rate (no accelerations) in response to fetal movement or contractions. This may indicate that the fetus is not getting enough oxygen or has a problem with its nervous syste
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