What does a documented reactive result from a nonstress test indicate?

A documented reactive result from a nonstress test indicates that the fetal heart rate has shown appropriate responses to fetal movements, which are considered normal findings. Specifically, a reactive result means that there are at least two accelerations in the fetal heart rate of 15 beats per minute or more above the baseline, persisting for at least 15 seconds within a 20-minute monitoring period. This reactivity is a good indicator of fetal well-being, suggesting that the fetus is healthy and not distressed.

In the context of this test, other options denote scenarios that do not align with the implications of a reactive result. For instance, if there were no fetal heart movements detected, that would indicate a non-reactive test rather than a reactive one. Similarly, if the fetus were under stress, the results would not be classified as reactive, and retesting would not be immediately indicated unless there were concerns from initial assessments or additional risk factors present. Therefore, recognizing the significance of a reactive result in a nonstress test is crucial for understanding fetal health during the antepartum period.