The multiparous patient at term has arrived to the labor and delivery unit in active labor with intact membranes. Leopold's maneuvers indicate the fetus is in a transverse lie with a shoulder presentation. Which physician order is most important?

Question

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The most important physician order in this scenario is to alert the surgical team of an urgent cesarean. A transverse lie with a shoulder presentation cannot be safely delivered vaginally and requires immediate surgical intervention. Artificially rupturing the membranes or applying an internal fetal scalp electrode may not be possible or feasible in this urgent situation. Monitoring maternal blood pressure every 15 minutes is important for overall patient care, but does not address the immediate need for delivery in this specific case.

The Multiparous Patient at Term Has Arrived to the Labor