A nurse in an antepartum unit is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

A. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via nonrebreather face mask. The fetal heart rate (FHR) is 168/min with minimal variability, which indicates potential fetal distress or hypoxia. Providing oxygen can improve fetal oxygenation.

B. Request a prescription for hydralazine. Hydralazine is used for severe hypertension in pregnancy (BP ≥160/110 mm Hg). The client’s BP is 132/84 mm Hg, which does not indicate a need for antihypertensive medication at this time.

C. Initiate a bolus of IV fluid. IV fluid bolus can improve placental perfusion, increase maternal blood pressure (if hypotension is a concern), and correct fetal heart rate abnormalities. This is especially important with minimal variability.

D. Assist the client to the left lateral position. Repositioning to the left lateral position improves uteroplacental blood flow and may help correct FHR abnormalities.

E. Request a prescription for oxytocin. Oxytocin is used to augment labor. However, the priority here is managing fetal distress, not increasing contractions. Oxytocin may worsen fetal distress, so it is not appropriate at this time.

F. Notify the provider of the client's condition. The combination of tachycardia (FHR 168/min), minimal variability, and meconium-stained fluid indicates possible fetal distress. The provider must be notified immediately to determine further interventions.

G. Prepare to administer an amnioinfusion. Meconium-stained fluid increases the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome. An amnioinfusion (infusion of sterile fluid into the amniotic sac via an intrauterine catheter) can help dilute thick meconium and improve fetal well-being.