After noting meconium-stained amniotic fluid, fetal heart rate decelerations, and a fetal blood pH of 7.20, the physician diagnoses a severely depressed fetus. The appropriate nursing action at this time would be to:

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A severely depressed fetus with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, fetal heart rate decelerations, and a low fetal blood pH of 7.20 would require immediate delivery. The options of increasing the mother's oxygen rate or turning her to the left lateral position are appropriate interventions during labor to improve fetal oxygenation but not in the case of a severely depressed fetus. Increasing the intravenous infusion rate may not necessarily improve fetal outcomes. Therefore, preparing the mother for either forceps or cesarean birth would be the most appropriate nursing action to deliver the fetus as quickly and safely as possible.

After Noting Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid, Fetal Heart Rate Decelerations, and a Fetal