Which characterizes an unsatisfactory contraction stress test?

An unsatisfactory contraction stress test is characterized by less than 3 contractions occurring in a 10-minute period. The primary purpose of a contraction stress test is to assess the fetal heart rate response to uterine contractions and evaluate the placental function. For the test to be considered satisfactory and yield meaningful results, there must be a sufficient number of contractions to analyze. The absence of enough contractions may lead to an inability to provide an adequate assessment of fetal well-being, hence defined as unsatisfactory.

In contrast, a negative result with mild variable decelerations may indicate a normal fetal response, not meeting the criteria for an unsatisfactory test, while repeated high decelerations after contractions could suggest potential fetal distress. Therefore, a lack of sufficient contractions directly impacts the validity and reliability of the test outcome.