A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and is undergoing a nonstress test (NST). The test is nonreactive. Which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest based on the findings?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Kleihauer-Betke test. This test is used to detect fetal-maternal hemorrhage by identifying fetal red blood cells in maternal circulation. It is not related to a nonreactive NST, which indicates the need for further fetal well-being assessment rather than checking for fetal-maternal bleeding. B. Amnioinfusion. This procedure involves infusing fluid into the amniotic sac to relieve umbilical cord compression or dilute meconium-stained amniotic fluid. It is not an appropriate intervention for a nonreactive NST, as it does not assess fetal oxygenation or reactivity. C. Administration of terbutaline. Terbutaline is a tocolytic used to relax the uterus and prevent preterm labor. It is not indicated for a nonreactive NST, as the concern in this scenario is fetal well-being rather than uterine activity. D. Contraction stress test. A nonreactive NST means that the fetal heart rate does not demonstrate adequate accelerations, which can indicate potential fetal hypoxia. A contraction stress test is performed next to evaluate how the fetal heart rate responds to contractions, helping determine if the fetus can tolerate labor.