NCLEX RN Maternity Questions Related

Review NCLEX RN Maternity Questions related questions and content

A primigravid client at 39 weeks' gestation is admitted in early labor with contractions every 6 minutes. The nurse notes a fetal heart rate of 145 bpm with occasional variable decelerations. What is the nurse's first action?

  • A. Notify the physician immediately.
  • B. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask.
  • C. Reposition the client to her left side.
  • D. Increase the IV fluid rate.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Variable decelerations may indicate umbilical cord compression. Repositioning the client to her left side is the first action to relieve pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation. Notification, oxygen, or increased fluids are considered if decelerations persist.