ATI Maternal Newborn Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes late decelerations in the FRH on the external fetal.... Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

  • A. Change the client's position.
  • B. Palpate the uterus to assess for tachysystole.
  • C. Increase the client's IV infusion rate.
  • D. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via nonrebreather mask.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Change the client's position. Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, which can be caused by pressure on the vena cava from the uterus. Changing the client's position can alleviate this pressure, improving fetal oxygenation. Palpating the uterus or increasing IV infusion rate may not address the underlying issue. Administering oxygen is important but should come after addressing the positional issue to ensure optimal oxygen delivery to the fetus.