A woman is in active labor. On spontaneous rupture of her membranes, the nurse caring for this woman notices variable deceleration patterns during evaluation of the monitor tracing. When preparing to perform a vaginal examination, the nurse observes a small section of the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina. What should the nurse do next?

A Wrap the cord loosely with a sterile towel saturated with warm normal saline. C Increase the IV drip rate. D Administer oxygen to the woman via mask at 8 to 10 L/minute. B Place a sterile gloved hand into the vagina and hold the presenting part off the cord while calling for assistance.