A client is admitted to the labor and delivery unit. A midwife is assessing the fetal heart tone monitor tracing and notes late decelerations. Which of the following is the most effective intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most effective action for the midwife to take is to administer oxygen through a face mask. The client is most likely experiencing uteroplacental insufficiency, which usually results from decreased flow of oxygenated blood to the fetus during contractions. The client should be placed in the left side lying position to improve fetal circulation and oxygenation. Oxytocin increases uteroplacental insufficiency and should not be administered; it can aggravate or worsen fetal hypoxemia.

A Client Is Admitted to the Labor and Delivery Unit