Maternal Newborn ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Maternal Newborn ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A client in active labor at 39 weeks of gestation is receiving continuous IV oxytocin and has early decelerations in the FHR on the monitor tracing. What action should the nurse take?

  • A. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion.
  • B. Continue monitoring the client.
  • C. Request that the provider assess the client.
  • D. Increase the infusion rate of the maintenance IV fluid.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client in active labor at 39 weeks of gestation has early decelerations in the FHR on the monitor tracing is to continue monitoring the client. Early decelerations are typically benign and are associated with head compression during contractions, which is a normal response to labor. There is no need to discontinue the oxytocin infusion as early decelerations do not indicate fetal distress. Requesting the provider to assess the client may not be necessary at this point unless other concerning signs are present. Increasing the infusion rate of the maintenance IV fluid is not indicated as it would not address the early decelerations. Therefore, the best course of action is to continue monitoring the client for any changes in the FHR pattern.