A nurse is caring for a client during a nonstress test (NST). At the end of a 30-min period of observation, the nurse notes the following findings: The fetal heart rate baseline is 120/min with minimal variability and no accelerations. There are two decelerations of 15 /min in the fetal heart rate during a period of fetal movement, each lasting 20 seconds. Which of the following interpretations of these findings should the nurse make?

A. A negative test refers to a contraction stress test (CST), not an NST, and indicates no late decelerations with contractions. This is not relevant here. B. A positive test in a CST indicates repetitive late decelerations, which is not applicable to NST interpretation. C. A reactive NST requires two or more accelerations of at least 15 bpm lasting 15 seconds within a 20-minute period for a fetus ≥32 weeks. Minimal variability with no accelerations does not meet criteria for reactivity. D. A nonreactive NST occurs when the fetal heart rate fails to demonstrate the required accelerations over a 40-minute period or exhibits minimal variability, indicating possible fetal hypoxia or sleep state. The presence of brief decelerations does not compensate for the lack of accelerations. The nurse should notify the provider for further evaluation, which may include additional testing or interventions.