A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a decrease in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
Fetal hyperinsulinemia is a condition where the fetus produces an excess amount of insulin, and it is more commonly associated with macrosomia (large for gestational age) rather than being small for gestational age.
Choice B rationale

Preterm delivery can result in a baby being small for birth weight, but it does not cause a baby to be small for gestational age. Small for gestational age means the baby’s weight is less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age.
Choice C rationale
Perinatal asphyxia, a lack of oxygen before, during, or just after birth, does not cause a baby to be small for gestational age. It can cause other complications, such as organ damage.
Choice D rationale
Placental inefficiency, where the placenta does not work as well as it should, can cause a baby to be small for gestational age. This is because the baby may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients from the mother.

The correct answer is choiceC. Respiratory rate.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) is crucial during labor to assess the well-being of the fetus.However, when administering magnesium sulfate, the primary concern is the mother’s respiratory status due to the risk of respiratory depression, which can be a side effect of the medication.

Choice B rationale:

While bowel sounds are an important part of a comprehensive assessment, they are not the primary concern when administering magnesium sulfate.Magnesium sulfate primarily affects the neuromuscular and respiratory systems.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory rate is the primary nursing assessment for a client receiving magnesium sulfate IV.Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression, so it is essential to monitor the client’s respiratory status closely to detect any signs of respiratory compromise early.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring temperature is important in any clinical setting, but it is not the primary concern when administering magnesium sulfate.The primary focus should be on the respiratory rate due to the potential for respiratory depression.