A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and is receiving oxytocin via IV infusion. The nurse has applied an internal fetal heart monitor and recognizes an early deceleration of the fetal heart rate tracing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is choice B: Administer a bolus infusion of lactated Ringer’s.

Choice A rationale:

Positioning the client in a knee-chest position is not the standard intervention for maternal hypotension following epidural placement. This position is more commonly associated with cord prolapse or to relieve pressure on the vena cava.

Choice B rationale:

Administering a bolus infusion of lactated Ringer’s is the correct action. Hypotension during epidural analgesia is treated with additional intravenous boluses of crystalloid solution. This helps to increase the circulating blood volume and counteract the vasodilation caused by the epidural.

Choice C rationale:

Terbutaline is a medication used to relax the uterus and prevent premature labor, not for treating hypotension.

Choice D rationale:

Applying oxygen via a nonrebreather face mask at 2 L/min is not the primary treatment for maternal hypotension. Oxygen may be used as a supportive measure if there is evidence of fetal distress or maternal hypoxemia, but the first line of treatment for hypotension is fluid administration.

Choice A rationale:

When a newborn is receiving phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia, it is essential to avoid using lotions or ointments on the skin. Phototherapy works by breaking down bilirubin in the skin, and any barriers like lotions or ointments can interfere with this process. The baby's skin needs to be exposed to the light to effectively reduce bilirubin levels.

Choice B rationale:

Dressing the newborn in lightweight clothing is a correct action during phototherapy. The baby should be undressed and placed under the phototherapy lights, with only a diaper on to maximize skin exposure to the light.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping the newborn supine throughout treatment is not a recommended action during phototherapy. To optimize skin exposure to the light, the baby should be placed in a prone position, with the back exposed to the light source.

Choice D rationale:

Measuring the newborn's temperature every 6 hours is essential, but it is not directly related to phototherapy. Temperature monitoring is a routine part of newborn care to assess for signs of infection or other health issues.