The baseline fetal heart rate in a reactive NST should be:

The baseline fetal heart rate in a reactive NST should be:

• A. Above 170 bpm
• B. Normal and within 110–160 bpm
• C. Below 100 bpm
• D. 60–80 bpm

Answer: (B)

Baseline fetal heart rate in a reactive NST should be normal and within 110–160 beats per minute. The baseline is the average rate during a 10-minute period when the fetus is at rest, excluding accelerations and decelerations. A reactive tracing also requires at least two accelerations of at least 15 bpm above baseline for 15 seconds within 20 minutes, with good variability. Rates above 160 bpm indicate tachycardia, while rates below 110 bpm indicate bradycardia; the other extremes do not describe the typical baseline for a reactive NST.

Baseline fetal heart rate in a reactive NST should be normal and within 110–160 beats per minute. The baseline is the average rate during a 10-minute period when the fetus is at rest, excluding accelerations and decelerations. A reactive tracing also requires at least two accelerations of at least 15 bpm above baseline for 15 seconds within 20 minutes, with good variability. Rates above 160 bpm indicate tachycardia, while rates below 110 bpm indicate bradycardia; the other extremes do not describe the typical baseline for a reactive NST.