A nurse in labor and delivery is caring for a client. Following delivery of the placenta, the nurse examines the umbilical cord. Which of the following vessels should the nurse expect to observe in the umbilical cord?

The correct answer is D.

A. Slowing the client's rate of breathing is not directly related to the observed uniform decelerations. The primary concern is the fetal heart rate pattern.

B. Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution is not the appropriate intervention for addressing the observed fetal heart rate decelerations. The focus should be on the oxytocin infusion rate.

C. Increasing the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin is not the appropriate action.

The patient is already experiencing frequent and strong contractions, and increasing the oxytocin rate can exacerbate the decelerations and compromise fetal well-being.

D. Discontinuing the infusion of the IV oxytocin is the correct action.

The observed uniform decelerations are likely related to oxytocin-induced hyperstimulation of the uterus. Stopping or decreasing the oxytocin infusion allows for the uterine activity to decrease, potentially improving fetal heart rate patterns.

Choice A Reason:

Hct 39.6 is incorrect. This hemoglobin level is within a typical range and may not require immediate intervention.

Choice B Reason:

Serum albumin 4.5 g/dL is incorrect. A serum albumin level of 4.5 g/dL is within the normal range and does not suggest an urgent issue.

Choice C Reason:

WBC 9,000/mm³ is incorrect. A white blood cell count of 9,000/mm³ is within the normal range and is not typically a cause for immediate concern in the absence of other symptoms or indications.

Choice D Reason:

Platelets 50,000/mm³ is correct. A platelet count of 50,000/mm³ is significantly below the normal range and may indicate thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with preeclampsi

A. Thrombocytopenia in preeclampsia can lead to bleeding complications and requires close monitoring and management.