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? 

Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen via face mask is a common intervention for various complications during labor. However, it is not the priority action when late decelerations are observed on the fetal monitor. Late decelerations are a sign of fetal hypoxia, which is often caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. While oxygen administration can help increase the overall oxygen available, it does not directly address the cause of the late decelerations.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the rate of the IV fluid infusion can help improve maternal circulation and potentially increase placental perfusion. However, this intervention is not the most immediate or effective response to late decelerations.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the client’s legs is not the recommended action in response to late decelerations. This position does not alleviate the cause of late decelerations and can actually impede blood flow to the uterus.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the client on her side, specifically the left side, is the priority action when late decelerations are observed. This position helps to maximize blood flow to the uterus and placenta, thereby improving oxygen delivery to the fetus.

Choice A rationale
Estrogen is a hormone that plays a crucial role in pregnancy. It helps develop the placenta and triggers increased blood volume and flow throughout pregnancy. However, it is not the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a key role in labor and breastfeeding. It causes contractions during labor and helps eject milk during breastfeeding. However, it is not the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It is made almost exclusively in the placenta and its main function is to maintain the corpus luteum in the ovary and stimulate it to produce progesterone. However, hCG itself is not the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Progesterone is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy. It prevents the uterine muscles from contracting prematurely, which could lead to a miscarriage or preterm birth.