Page 664 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Description

Test assesses placental oxygenation and function.
Test determines fetal ability to tolerate labor and determines fetal well-being.
Fetus is exposed to the stress of contractions to assess the adequacy of placental
perfusion under simulated labor conditions.
Test is performed if nonstress test is abnormal.

Interventions

External fetal monitor is applied to the client, and a 20- to 30-minute baseline
strip is recorded.
The uterus is stimulated to contract by the administration of a dilute dose of
oxytocin or by having the client use nipple stimulation until 3 palpable
contractions with a duration of 40 seconds or more in a 10-minute period have
been achieved.
Frequent maternal blood pressure readings are done, and the mother is
monitored closely while increasing doses of oxytocin are given.

Results

Negative Contraction Stress Test (Normal)

A negative result is represented by no late decelerations of the fetal heart rate
(FHR).

Positive Contraction Stress Test (Abnormal)

A positive result is represented by late decelerations of the FHR, with 50% or
more of the contractions in the absence of hyperstimulation of the uterus.

Equivocal

An equivocal result contains decelerations, but with less than 50% of the
contractions, or uterine activity shows a hyperstimulated uterus.

Unsatisfactory

An unsatisfactory result means that adequate uterine contractions cannot be
achieved, or the FHR tracing is of insufficient quality for adequate
interpretation.

Practice Questions

194. The nurse is providing instructions to a pregnant client who is scheduled for

664