Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The maximum testing period for a reactive non-stress test (NST) for a preterm fetus is 90 minutes. A non-stress test is used to assess fetal well-being by monitoring the fetal heart rate in response to movements. A reactive NST is characterized by at least two accelerations in the fetal heart rate within a specific time frame, which typically indicates a healthy fetus.

In clinical practice, the guideline allows for a maximum duration of 90 minutes when attempting to achieve a reactive result. If a reactive NST is not obtained within this timeframe, it may warrant further evaluation and monitoring, such as a contraction stress test or biophysical profile, to assess fetal safety and well-being.

Shorter testing periods, such as 30 or 60 minutes, may not provide enough time to accurately assess fetal heart rate reactivity. The 120-minute duration exceeds the established guidelines, as prolonged monitoring without a reactive result could lead to unnecessary anxiety for the mother and extended resource use without providing additional beneficial information regarding the fetus's health.