A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a vaginal birth 12 hr ago. The nurse recognizes the client is in the dependent, taking in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect during this phase?

A) Assist the client to an upright position: While changing the client's position can sometimes help improve blood pressure, in this scenario, the blood pressure reading is already low. Placing the client in an upright position may further decrease blood pressure, potentially exacerbating hypotension. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate choice.
B) Prepare for a cesarean birth: A blood pressure reading of 82/52 mm Hg alone does not necessarily indicate the need for a cesarean birth. Cesarean birth is typically indicated for fetal distress, cephalopelvic disproportion, or other complications, none of which are mentioned in the scenario. Therefore, preparing for a cesarean birth based solely on the blood pressure reading is not indicated at this time.
C) Assist the client to turn onto her side: A blood pressure reading of 82/52 mm Hg suggests hypotension. Turning the client onto her side can help improve venous return to the heart and increase blood pressure by alleviating pressure on the inferior vena cava, thus improving cardiac output. This position change can help optimize blood pressure and perfusion to both the client and the fetus.
D) Prepare for an immediate vaginal delivery: While hypotension can be a concern during labor, particularly in the active phase, the client's blood pressure reading alone does not necessitate an immediate vaginal delivery. The priority is to address the hypotension and ensure adequate perfusion to the client and the fetus. Turning the client onto her side is a more appropriate initial intervention to improve blood pressure.

A) Uteroplacental insufficiency:
Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. This means that there is a compromised blood flow between the uterus and placenta, resulting in decreased oxygen supply to the fetus during contractions. It is a concerning finding during labor as it indicates potential fetal distress.

B) Fetal head compression:
Early decelerations are typically associated with fetal head compression. This occurs when pressure is exerted on the fetal head during contractions, resulting in a transient decrease in fetal heart rate. Late decelerations, however, are not caused by fetal head compression.

C) Maternal bradycardia:
Maternal bradycardia, or a slow maternal heart rate, does not cause late decelerations on the fetal monitor. Late decelerations are specifically related to fetal heart rate patterns.

D) Umbilical cord compression:
Umbilical cord compression can cause variable decelerations in fetal heart rate patterns. However, late decelerations are primarily associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, not umbilical cord compression.