A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has an epidural in place and is on continuous internal monitoring with a fetal scalp electrode and intrauterine pressure catheter.

The nurse notes a strong contraction on the monitor and the client reports nausea accompanied by an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

Which of the following assessments is the nurse's highest priority?

Choice A rationale: Moderate fetal heart rate variability indicates a healthy autonomic nervous system response in the fetus, reflecting adequate oxygenation and neurologic function. Variability within moderate range (6-25 beats/min) suggests the fetus is not currently experiencing hypoxia or acidosis. This finding is reassuring and does not require urgent reporting as it reflects normal fetal well-being according to obstetrical monitoring standards.

Choice B rationale: Persistent headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant client with elevated blood pressure is a significant symptom suggestive of worsening preeclampsia or impending eclampsia. Headache can result from cerebral vasospasm or edema and requires prompt evaluation as it indicates central nervous system involvement. Elevated blood pressure over 140/90 mm Hg plus headache raises concern for severe preeclampsia.

Choice C rationale: The heart rate of 98 beats/min is within normal adult range (60-100 bpm) and is not clinically concerning in this context.

Choice D rationale: Edema, especially 2+ pitting in the lower extremities and hands, is common in pregnancy but circumorbital and hand edema preventing ring removal is concerning. It may indicate fluid retention due to endothelial dysfunction and capillary leakage seen in preeclampsia. Such edema suggests worsening vascular permeability and should be reported for timely management.

Choice E rationale: Blood pressure reading of 160/98 mm Hg is above the normal pregnancy threshold (less than 140/90 mm Hg) and qualifies as severe hypertension. Elevated blood pressure is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia and increases risk for maternal and fetal complications including stroke, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction, requiring immediate provider notification.

Choice F rationale: The fetal heart rate of 130 beats/min falls within the normal baseline range (110-160 bpm) with moderate variability, indicating no current fetal distress. This normal finding does not require urgent reporting as it reflects appropriate fetal status.

Choice G rationale: Irregular contractions without pattern or intensity are common and often represent Braxton Hicks contractions, especially near term. These do not typically indicate active labor or distress and do not require urgent reporting unless they become regular, painful, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Choice H rationale: Negative ankle clonus reflects normal neurological function and absence of central nervous system hyperreflexia. Presence of clonus could suggest severe preeclampsia with neurological involvement; its absence is reassuring and not a reportable concern.

Choice I rationale: Patellar deep tendon reflexes at 2+ are normal on a scale of 0 to 4+. Hyperreflexia (3+ or 4+) could indicate neurologic irritability from preeclampsia. Normal reflexes suggest no current severe neurological involvement, so this does not warrant immediate reporting.

Choice A rationale

Palpating contractions as mild indicates that the current oxytocin dose is likely insufficient to achieve an expected labor pattern. Oxytocin aims to induce moderate-to-strong uterine contractions, typically occurring every 2-3 minutes, lasting 40-90 seconds. Mild contractions suggest suboptimal uterine activity, justifying an increase in the infusion rate to stimulate more effective contractions.

Choice B rationale

Spontaneous rupture of membranes is a natural progression of labor and does not directly indicate the need to titrate oxytocin based on uterine contraction effectiveness. While rupture of membranes can accelerate labor, the oxytocin titration decisions are primarily based on the intensity and frequency of uterine contractions, not the status of the amniotic sac.

Choice C rationale

A decrease in the client's pain level is not an indicator for titrating oxytocin for labor induction. Pain is subjective and influenced by various factors, including analgesia. Oxytocin titration is guided by objective measures of uterine activity and cervical change, aiming for an adequate labor pattern rather than pain management.

Choice D rationale

Stabilization of the client's blood pressure, while desirable, is not a direct parameter for titrating oxytocin to achieve an expected labor pattern. Oxytocin's primary effect is on uterine contractility, and titration decisions are based on the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions, and cervical dilation, not systemic blood pressure changes.