The nurse is assisting a nurse-midwife with performing a contraction stress test (CST) on a patient who is 30 weeks' gestation. The monitor reveals a hypersystole pattern. What order should the nurse expect to receive from the physician?

Question

1. Change the patient's position to Trendelenburg.
2. Assist the patient with application of an electric breast pump.
3. Obtain a 15-minute recording of uterine activity.
4. Administer a tocolytic medication.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: The patient is demonstrating hypersystole pattern of uterine contraction and would most likely receive a tocolytic medication.
Rationale 2: Breast stimulation may be used to produce uterine contractions during CST.
Rationale 3: While monitoring is appropriate, a hypersystole pattern of uterine contractions requires pharmacologic treatment with a tocolytic agent.
Rationale 4: During CST, development of a hypersystole pattern requires prompt administration of a tocolytic agent.