MEDizzy - A 27-year-old primigravid client with insulin-dependent

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The Pregnant Client with Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Disease

A 27-year-old primigravid client with insulin-dependent diabetes at 34 weeks’ gestation undergoes a nonstress test, the results of which are documented as reactive. The nurse should tell the client that the test results indicate which of the following?

ExplanationThe nonstress test is considered reactive when two or more fetal heart rate accelerations of at least 15 bpm occur (from a baseline fetal heart rate of 120 to 160 bpm), along with fetal movement, during a 10- to 20-minute period. A reactive non-stress test indicates fetal heart rate accelerations and well-being. There is no indication for further evaluation (such as a contraction stress test). However, contraction stress tests are commonly scheduled for pregnant clients with insulin-dependent diabetes in the latter part of pregnancy and are repeated periodically until delivery. Chorionic villus sampling is usually performed early in the pregnancy to detect fetal abnormalities.