What should the nurse do following a negative contraction stress test (CST) at 40 weeks of gestation?

A negative contraction stress test (CST) indicates that there are no significant decelerations in the fetal heart rate during contractions, suggesting that the fetus is receiving adequate oxygenation and is likely not in distress. This test is typically performed to assess how the fetus responds to stress conditions, which can indicate overall fetal well-being.

When the CST is negative, it generally means that the fetus can tolerate labor and does not show signs of compromised health. Therefore, allowing labor to progress naturally is typically recommended, as it supports the natural birthing process without unnecessary intervention. This approach prioritizes the mother's and baby's health and reduces the risks associated with premature interventions.

In the context of the other options, scheduling a cesarean delivery or inducing labor immediately might be unnecessary interventions when the fetal condition appears stable. Monitoring the fetus more frequently could be appropriate in certain situations, but typically, a negative CST would suggest regular monitoring without an immediate need for increased supervision. Allowing natural progression of labor aligns with the goal of promoting a healthy delivery when fetal well-being is confirmed.