A nurse is assessing fetal heart tones for a client who is pregnant. The nurse has determined the fetal position as left occipital anterior. To which of the following areas of the client's abdomen should the nurse apply the ultrasound transducer to assess the point of maximum Intensity of the fetal heart?

The correct answer is B. Place the client in the lateral position.

A. Increasing the rate of maintenance IV infusion may be necessary, but the initial action should be to address potential aortocaval compression. Repositioning the client to the lateral position helps alleviate compression on the vena cava and improves blood flow to the uterus.

B. Placing the client in the lateral position is the correct first action. Changing the client's position, particularly from a supine to a side-lying position, can relieve aortocaval compression and improve uteroplacental perfusion.

C. Elevating the client's legs is not the priority in this situation. Repositioning the client to the lateral position is more important to address potential aortocaval compression.

D. Administering oxygen using a nonrebreather mask may be indicated, but repositioning the client to the lateral position is the first action to address potential aortocaval compression. Oxygen administration can follow if necessary.

Choice A Reason:

"I will get injections of the medication once daily until my labor stops." Terbutaline is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection or orally, but the frequency can vary. It is often given as needed or on a scheduled basis, depending on the healthcare provider's instructions. However, "once daily until labor stops" is not a typical approach.

Choice B Reason:

"My blood sugar may be low while I'm on this medication." While terbutaline can affect glucose metabolism, it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) rather than hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Choice C Reason:

"I will have blood tests because my potassium might decrease." Terbutaline, a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, can potentially lead to hypokalemia (a decrease in potassium levels). Monitoring potassium levels through blood tests is important during terbutaline therapy.

Choice D Reason:

"My blood pressure may increase while I'm on this medication." Terbutaline is known to cause cardiovascular side effects, but an increase in blood pressure is not a common effect. It is more associated with tachycardia (increased heart rate) and potential hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure is still important, but an increase is less likely compared to other cardiovascular effects.