Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Full-length
The nurse is caring for a client in labor. The fetal heart rate is 80 bpm with moderate variability. The most appropriate initial action by the nurse is to:
Correct answer
C
Rationale
A fetal heart rate of 80 bpm indicates bradycardia possibly due to cord compression or uteroplacental insufficiency. Repositioning the client to her left side improves placental perfusion and is the first action. Oxygen notifying the physician or increasing fluids are secondary.