ATI Capstone Maternal Newborn Assessment Quizlet Related

Review ATI Capstone Maternal Newborn Assessment Quizlet related questions and content

A nurse is providing care to a client who is in active labor. The nurse observes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

  • A. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via face mask
  • B. Reposition the client from side to side
  • C. Increase the rate of the IV infusion
  • D. Notify the provider
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take first when observing variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate is to reposition the client from side to side. Variable decelerations are often caused by umbilical cord compression, and repositioning the client can relieve pressure on the cord. Administering oxygen, increasing the IV infusion rate, and notifying the provider can be appropriate actions but repositioning the client takes priority in addressing variable decelerations.