Maternal Fetal Monitoring Related

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A nurse is assisting with a vaginal delivery. What is the most important action to take when the fetal head begins to crown?

  • A. apply gentle downward pressure
  • B. administer pain relief
  • C. administer analgesics
  • D. perform perineal massage
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: apply gentle downward pressure. This action helps prevent the baby from being born too quickly, reducing the risk of tearing for the mother. It also ensures a controlled delivery, decreasing the likelihood of complications such as shoulder dystocia. Administering pain relief (B) or analgesics (C) may be necessary but not the most crucial at this moment. Performing perineal massage (D) is beneficial for reducing the risk of tearing but is not as important as guiding the baby's head during crowning.