Comparison with contraction stress test (CST)
Comparison with contraction stress test (CST) ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing a contraction stress test (CST).
The nurse observes late decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) during three consecutive contractions.
How should the nurse interpret this result?
A positive CST means that there are late decelerations in the FHR during three or more contractions in a 10-minute period. Late decelerations are defined as decelerations that reach their lowest point after the peak of the contraction and that usually persist beyond the end of the contraction. They indicate fetal hypoxia and placental insufficiency.
A negative CST means that there are no late decelerations in the FHR during at least three contractions in a 10-minute period. A negative CST is reassuring and suggests that the fetus can tolerate labor contractions.
An equivocal CST means that there are late decelerations in the FHR during fewer than half of the contractions or there are variable decelerations with or without other nonreassuring features. An equivocal CST requires further evaluation with a biophysical profile or a repeat CST.
An unsatisfactory CST means that there are fewer than three contractions in a 10-minute period or the tracing is technically inadequate for interpretation. An unsatisfactory CST should be repeated when possible.
Positive. A positive CST means that there are late decelerations in the FHR during three or more contractions in a 10-minute period. Late decelerations are defined as decelerations that reach their lowest point after the peak of the contraction and that usually persist beyond the end of the contraction. They indicate fetal hypoxia and placental insufficiency.
Negative. A negative CST means that there are no late decelerations in the FHR during at least three contractions in a 10-minute period. A negative CST is reassuring and suggests that the fetus can tolerate labor contractions.
Equivocal. An equivocal CST means that there are late decelerations in the FHR during fewer than half of the contractions or there are variable decelerations with or without other nonreassuring features. An equivocal CST requires further evaluation with a biophysical profile or a repeat CST.
Unsatisfactory. An unsatisfactory CST means that there are fewer than three contractions in a 10-minute period or the tracing is technically inadequate for interpretation. An unsatisfactory CST should be repeated when possible.
