A woman in active labor demonstrates persistent posterior fetal position, contributing to prolonged labor and severe back pain. What nursing intervention should be implemented to facilitate fetal rotation and optimize labor progress?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging frequent position changes, including the hands-and-knees position, is the most appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario. This position is known to help rotate the baby from a persistent posterior position to an optimal anterior position for delivery. The hands-and-knees position can help take pressure off the mother's back, alleviate back pain, and facilitate the rotation of the baby's head to engage in the mother's pelvis, thus promoting labor progress. It is a non-invasive and effective way to promote fetal rotation without the need for immediate instrumental delivery or intravenous analgesics. Continuous fetal monitoring is important for assessing fetal well-being but would not directly address the issue of posterior fetal position and the associated prolonged labor.