A laboring client received meperidine IV one hour prior to delivery. Which of the following medications should the nurse have available to counteract the effects of this medication on the newborn?

Choice A rationale:

The priority nursing action when the fetal heart rate shows a deceleration after the contraction has started, with the lowest point occurring after the peak of the contraction, is to change the client's position. This deceleration pattern is called "late decelerations,” and it is typically associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, which can be caused by maternal hypotension or impaired blood flow to the placenta. Changing the client's position, such as moving the client to their side or repositioning them, can alleviate pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta, thus potentially resolving or minimizing the late decelerations.

Choice B rationale:

Inserting a scalp electrode (Choice B) is not the priority action in this situation. While a scalp electrode may be used to monitor the fetal heart rate more accurately and continuously, it is not the initial intervention for addressing late decelerations.

Choice C rationale:

Preparing for amnioinfusion (Choice C) may be considered if there are variable decelerations (caused by cord compression) present, but it is not the priority intervention for late decelerations.

Choice D rationale:

Documenting benign decelerations (Choice D) is not appropriate in this scenario since late decelerations are not considered benign and require immediate action.

Choice A rationale:

Hypotonicity, or decreased muscle tone, is not an expected finding in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals. Opioid withdrawal symptoms usually involve increased muscle tone and jitteriness.

Choice B rationale:

Moderate tremors of the extremities are an expected finding in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals. Neonates born to mothers who used opioids during pregnancy can exhibit tremors, irritability, and other withdrawal symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

An axillary temperature of 36.1°C (96.9°F) is within the normal range for a newborn's body temperature, so it is not directly related to opioid withdrawal and is not the expected finding in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

Excessive sleeping is not an expected finding in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals. Opioid withdrawal can lead to increased wakefulness and irritability in newborns.