What is the significance of a negative contraction/stress test?

What is the significance of a negative contraction/stress test?

• A. Indicates fetal distress
• B. No late decelerations in FHR
• C. Presence of uterine contractions
• D. High risk of preterm labor

Answer: (B)

A negative contraction/stress test is significant as it indicates that there are no late decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR during uterine contractions). This finding suggests that the fetus is receiving adequate oxygen and is not experiencing any stress during the contractions, which can happen during a labor simulation. When conducting a contraction stress test, the objective is to evaluate the fetal response to contractions that may occur during labor. A negative result signifies that the fetal heart rate remains stable and does not show late decelerations, suggesting a healthy fetal status. This is key because late decelerations can indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, where the fetus may not be getting enough blood flow and oxygen. In contrast, other options present situations that do not constitute a negative contraction/stress test. For example, indications of fetal distress or high-risk scenarios would signal problems rather than reassuring stability. The presence of uterine contractions alone does not define the baby's well-being and requires scrutiny of the heart rate response to those contractions. Thus, the core significance of a negative contraction/stress test lies in the absence of late decelerations, highlighting fetal well-being.

A negative contraction/stress test is significant as it indicates that there are no late decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR during uterine contractions). This finding suggests that the fetus is receiving adequate oxygen and is not experiencing any stress during the contractions, which can happen during a labor simulation.

When conducting a contraction stress test, the objective is to evaluate the fetal response to contractions that may occur during labor. A negative result signifies that the fetal heart rate remains stable and does not show late decelerations, suggesting a healthy fetal status. This is key because late decelerations can indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, where the fetus may not be getting enough blood flow and oxygen.

In contrast, other options present situations that do not constitute a negative contraction/stress test. For example, indications of fetal distress or high-risk scenarios would signal problems rather than reassuring stability. The presence of uterine contractions alone does not define the baby's well-being and requires scrutiny of the heart rate response to those contractions. Thus, the core significance of a negative contraction/stress test lies in the absence of late decelerations, highlighting fetal well-being.