A nurse is assisting a client who is postpartum with her first breastfeeding experience. When the client asks how much of the nipple she should put into the baby's mouth, which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Choice A reason: Position the client on her side is correct, as this is the first action the nurse should take according to the ABCDE priority framework. Late decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the fetal heart rate that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends, which indicate uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia. Positioning the client on her side can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta and fetus by relieving pressure on the vena cava and aorta.

Choice B reason: Elevate the client's legs is incorrect, as this is not a priority action for a client who has late decelerations. Elevating the legs can increase venous return and cardiac output, but it can also reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta and fetus by compressing the vena cava and aorta.

Choice C reason: Administer oxygen via face mask is incorrect, as this is not the first action the nurse should take, although it is important to do later. Administering oxygen can increase oxygen saturation and delivery to the placenta and fetus, but it does not address the cause of uteroplacental insufficiency or improve blood flow.

Choice D reason: Increase the infusion rate of the IV fluid is incorrect, as this is not the first action the nurse should take, although it may be indicated later. Increasing the infusion rate of IV fluid can expand blood volume and improve placental perfusion, but it does not address the cause of uteroplacental insufficiency or improve blood flow. The nurse should obtain a provider's order before increasing the IV fluid rate.

Choice A reason: Request the RN perform a cervical examination is incorrect, as this action is not indicated for a client who has a history of genital herpes. A cervical examination can introduce infection and trauma to the cervix and increase the risk of viral shedding and transmission to the fetus. The nurse should avoid performing or requesting a cervical examination unless absolutely necessary.

Choice B reason: Initiate fetal monitoring for baseline and changes is correct, as this action is appropriate for any client who is in labor. Fetal monitoring can provide information about the fetal heart rate, variability, accelerations, decelerations, and contractions. The nurse should monitor the fetal status continuously and report any abnormal findings to the provider.

Choice C reason: Prepare for a vaginal birth is incorrect, as this action may not be possible for a client who has a history of genital herpes. A vaginal birth can expose the fetus to the herpes virus and cause neonatal infection, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should assess the client for signs of active lesions or prodromal symptoms and prepare for a cesarean birth if indicated.

Choice D reason: Administer antibiotics is incorrect, as this action is not effective for a client who has a history of genital herpes. Genital herpes is caused by a virus, not a bacteria, and antibiotics have no effect on viral infections. The nurse should administer antiviral medications as prescribed to reduce viral shedding and transmission to the fetus.