Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 92%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A client in labor with external fetal monitoring showing late decelerationsA nurse in the labor and delivery unit is caring for a client who is undergoing external fetal monitoring. The nurse observes that the fetal heart rate begins to slow after the start of a contraction and the lowest rate occurs after the peak of the contraction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Late decelerations suggest uteroplacental insufficiency; placing the client in a lateral position improves placental perfusion by relieving vena cava pressure.