An NST showing baseline around 120 bpm, moderate variability, and 2 or more accelerations in 20 minutes is considered what?

• A. Reactive NST
• B. Nonreactive NST
• C. Equivocal NST
• D. Inconclusive NST

Answer: (A)

A reactive NST indicates fetal well-being, shown by a normal baseline heart rate, adequate variability, and at least two accelerations within 20 minutes. Here, the baseline is about 120 bpm (within the normal 110–160 range), variability is described as moderate (a sign of a responsive autonomic nervous system), and there are two or more accelerations in 20 minutes. Taken together, these findings meet the criteria for a reactive NST, which is reassuring about fetal oxygenation and health.

If there were fewer than two accelerations in 20 minutes or other abnormalities like minimal or absent variability, that would be nonreactive and would prompt further testing. Equivocal or inconclusive readings arise when the data aren’t clearly reactive or nonreactive, often requiring repeat testing or additional monitoring.