A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client.

Using Leopold maneuvers, the nurse palpates a round, firm, movable part in the fundus of the uterus and a long, smooth surface on the client’s right side.

In which abdominal quadrant should the nurse expect to auscultate fetal heart tones?

• Increase the oxytocin infusion to 13 mU/min: This is an anticipated action. The client’s contractions are becoming more frequent and intense, and her cervix is dilating and effacing. Increasing the oxytocin infusion can help to further progress labor.
• Place client in a side-lying position: This is an anticipated action. The side-lying position can help to improve maternal and fetal circulation and can also help to alleviate back pain.
• Initiate bolus of primary IV fluids: This is an anticipated action. The client is in labor and may not be able to consume adequate fluids orally. Providing IV fluids can help to prevent dehydration.
• Apply oxygen at 10 L/min via venturi mask: This is a nonessential action. The client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are within normal limits, and she is not reporting any difficulty breathing.
• Perform sterile vaginal exam: This is an anticipated action. Regular vaginal exams are necessary to assess the progress of labor, including changes in cervical dilation, effacement, and fetal station.
• Assign a Bishop score: This is a nonessential action. The Bishop score is typically used to evaluate the readiness of the cervix for induction of labor. As the client is already in labor and her cervix is dilating and effacing, assigning a Bishop score is not necessary at this time.
• Perform an amniotomy: This is a nonessential action. An amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes) can be used to induce or augment labor, but it is not necessary if labor is progressing normally, as it appears to be in this client. Please note that these are potential actions and the healthcare provider should be informed immediately for further evaluation and management. It’s important to continue following the provider’s prescriptions and closely monitor the client’s condition.

Choice A rationale
The palpability of the posterior fontanel is not related to the position of the fetus.
Choice B rationale
The level of the ischial spines refers to the station of the fetus, not its position.
Choice C rationale
The passage of the largest fetal diameter through the pelvic outlet is a stage of labor, not a fetal position.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. The left occiput posterior position refers to the position of the fetal head.