A woman is in labor. The fetus is in vertex position. When the patient's membranes rupture, the nurse sees that the amniotic fluid is meconium-stained. The nurse should immediately:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid indicates that the fetus may have passed stool, which can lead to respiratory distress if the stool is aspirated into the lungs during delivery. Therefore, it is important to begin continuous fetal heart rate monitoring to assess fetal distress and to be prepared for emergent delivery assistance if necessary. The other options may be helpful interventions but are not the priority in this situation.

A Woman Is in Labor