The nurse is preparing a patient for a nonstress test (NST). Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement? (Select all that apply.)
A) Ensure that the patient has a full bladder.
B) Plan approximately 15 minutes for the test.
C) Have the patient sit in a recliner with the head elevated 45 degrees.
D) Apply electronic monitoring equipment to the patient's abdomen.
E) Instruct the patient to press an event marker every time she feels fetal movement.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient may be seated in a reclining chair or have her head elevated at least 45 degrees. The nurse applies external electronic monitoring equipment to the patient's abdomen to detect the fetal heart rate and any contractions. The woman may be given an event marker to press each time she senses movement. Before the NST, the patient should void and her baseline vital signs should be taken. The NST takes about 40 minutes, allowing for most fetal sleep-wake cycles, although the fetus may show a reassuring pattern more quickly or need more time to awaken and become active. Fifteen minutes would not allow enough time to complete the test.

The Nurse Is Preparing a Patient for a Nonstress Test