What is included in the description of a contraction stress test?

The correct answer indicates that an external monitor is used to observe the fetal heart rate response during contractions. This test is designed to evaluate how the fetal heart rate responds to stress induced by contractions, which can be either spontaneous or stimulated through methods such as uterine contractions.

During the contraction stress test, continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate is crucial. It allows healthcare providers to assess whether the fetus can tolerate the stress of contractions, which can indicate adequate placental function and fetal well-being. The test typically involves both monitoring the contractions and the fetal heart rate simultaneously to determine how well the fetus responds to these stressors.

The other options outline aspects that do not accurately describe the procedure. Monitoring only at rest (the first option) does not provide a full picture of fetal well-being during stress. Performing only vaginal examinations (the third option) disregards the crucial aspect of monitoring the fetal heart rate in relation to contractions. Lastly, observing fetal movement patterns (the fourth option) is not the primary focus of a contraction stress test, as the test is specifically aimed at evaluating the heart rate's response during contractions rather than general fetal movements.