In contraction stress testing, what defines a positive result?

In contraction stress testing, what defines a positive result?

• A. No decelerations
• B. Late decelerations with greater than 50% of contractions
• C. Equivocal decelerations with prolonged duration
• D. Early decelerations

Answer: (B)

In contraction stress testing, a positive result is defined by repetitive late decelerations that occur with contractions in more than half of the contractions. Late decelerations, which begin after the peak of a contraction, indicate uteroplacental insufficiency and transient fetal hypoxia, meaning the fetus may not tolerate the stress of labor well. If late decelerations do not occur with most contractions, or if decelerations are only early (often due to head compression) and non-repetitive, the test is not positive. Equivocal or prolonged decelerations can occur but are not considered positive results and require further evaluation.

In contraction stress testing, a positive result is defined by repetitive late decelerations that occur with contractions in more than half of the contractions. Late decelerations, which begin after the peak of a contraction, indicate uteroplacental insufficiency and transient fetal hypoxia, meaning the fetus may not tolerate the stress of labor well. If late decelerations do not occur with most contractions, or if decelerations are only early (often due to head compression) and non-repetitive, the test is not positive. Equivocal or prolonged decelerations can occur but are not considered positive results and require further evaluation.