Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX Questions Related

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A woman is receiving oxytocin to induce labor. Which action should the nurse take first upon noting the presence of late decelerations on the fetal heart rate (FHR) monitor?

  • A. Notifying the healthcare provider
  • B. Stopping the oxytocin infusion
  • C. Checking the woman's blood pressure and pulse
  • D. Increasing the intravenous (IV) rate of the nonadditive solution
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When late decelerations are noted on the fetal heart rate (FHR) monitor during oxytocin infusion, it indicates decreased oxygenation to the fetus. The immediate action the nurse should take is to stop the oxytocin infusion. This helps reduce uterine activity, increase fetal oxygenation, and prevent further stress on the fetus. Stopping the oxytocin infusion is crucial to address the underlying issue causing the late decelerations. Checking the woman's blood pressure and pulse, increasing the IV rate of the nonadditive solution, or notifying the healthcare provider can be important actions but are secondary to stopping the oxytocin infusion in this scenario.