While evaluating an external monitor tracing of a woman in active labor,the nurse notes that the fetal heart rate (FHR)for five sequential contractions begins to decelerate late in the contraction,with the nadir of the decelerations occurring after the peak of the contraction.What is the nurse's first priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Late decelerations of the fetal heart rate (FHR) are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and can indicate that the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen. The first priority in managing late decelerations is to improve fetal oxygenation, which can often be achieved by changing the woman's position to enhance blood flow to the placenta.

While Evaluating an External Monitor Tracing of a Woman in Active