Question

A nonstress test (NST) is scheduled for a client with mild preeclampsia. During an NST, the client asks what it means when the fetal heart rate goes up every time the fetus moves. Which is an appropriate response?

Answer 1

Answer:

A basic and a non-invasive test done in pregnancies during the course of 28 weeks of gestation is termed as a fetal non-stress test. It is termed non-stress as no stress is imparted on the fetus while performing the examination. The main objective of the test is to determine the fetus's heart rate at the time of its movement.  

In the test, it can be seen that the heart rate of the fetus gets increased each time it moves, which shows that the baby is healthy as the heart rate goes up when it moves and goes down during its resting stage. The principle behind the test is that for proper well-being of the fetus, sufficient oxygen is needed and heart rate should come in normal ranges.