A nurse is caring for a laboring person who is experiencing late decelerations in fetal heart rate. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: place the person on their left side. This intervention helps to optimize placental perfusion and reduce pressure on the vena cava, improving fetal oxygenation. Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, and changing the person's position can help alleviate this. Applying oxygen via mask (B) is important but secondary to optimizing perfusion. Administering pain medication (C) is not the priority in this situation. Performing a vaginal examination (D) is unnecessary and could potentially worsen the situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because in the second stage of labor, it is appropriate to assist the laboring person with spontaneous pushing to facilitate the descent of the baby through the birth canal. Controlled pushing (choice A) may cause fatigue and unnecessary strain. Deep breathing (choice C) is more suitable for the first stage of labor. Non-pharmacological pain relief (choice D) can be helpful but is not the priority in the second stage when the focus should be on pushing effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: coach the person through controlled pushing. This is the most important action to promote fetal descent during the second stage of labor because pushing helps the baby move through the birth canal. Controlled pushing helps prevent exhaustion and reduces the risk of maternal injury. Increasing maternal hydration (choice B) is important for overall well-being but does not directly promote fetal descent. Comfort measures (choice C) are important for pain management but do not directly aid in fetal descent. Applying gentle pressure to the abdomen (choice D) is not recommended as it can interfere with the natural process of labor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: assess for fetal movement. This is the priority intervention before an epidural to ensure the safety and well-being of the fetus. Assessing for fetal movement helps determine the fetal well-being and any potential distress that may require immediate intervention. Ensuring informed consent (A) is important but assessing fetal well-being takes precedence. Checking for allergies to anesthesia (B) is important but not the priority before assessing fetal movement. Administering pain relief (D) can be done after assessing fetal movement to ensure the safety of both the laboring person and the fetus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because administering IV fluids is crucial during oxytocin infusion to prevent maternal dehydration and maintain fluid balance. This helps prevent complications such as uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress. Monitoring fetal heart rate continuously (choice A) is important but not the priority. Increasing maternal hydration (choice B) is beneficial but does not address the immediate need for fluid replacement. Assessing uterine tone (choice D) is important but secondary to ensuring adequate hydration.