A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor. The nurse observes late decelerations of the fetal heart rate on the external fetal monitor. After placing the client in a side-lying position, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Postpartum hemorrhage: Effacement and dilation relate to the progress of labor, not postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage is excessive bleeding that occurs after childbirth, typically within 24 hours, and can have various causes unrelated to cervical dilation.

B. Incompetent cervix: Incompetent cervix, also known as cervical insufficiency, refers to the premature and painless dilation of the cervix during the second trimester of pregnancy. It is not directly related to the dilation mentioned in the scenario. However, it is possible that the client may have misunderstood the timing of contractions, and the nurse should assess for other signs of cervical insufficiency.

C. Hyperemesis gravidarum: Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It is not directly related to cervical dilation or effacement.

D. Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Cervical dilation and effacement are not associated with ectopic pregnancies.

A. Restrict daily oral fluid intake: Restricting oral fluid intake is not generally recommended unless there is a specific medical indication. Adequate hydration is important, especially postpartum, and fluid restriction may not be appropriate unless there are specific reasons to do so.

B. Administer an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s: In a client with preeclampsia without severe features, intravenous fluid bolus administration is not the primary intervention. Fluid management is important, but it is typically done judiciously based on the client's specific needs, not as a routine IV bolus.

C. Obtain a prescription for misoprostol: Misoprostol is a medication that is sometimes used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage but is not a routine intervention for a client with preeclampsia without severe features. The focus in preeclampsia management is on blood pressure control and monitoring for signs of worsening disease.

D. Assess for edema: This is the correct action. Assessing for edema is an important component of monitoring a client with preeclampsia. While edema is a common symptom in pregnancy, excessive or sudden-onset edema may be an indication of worsening preeclampsia.