A nurse is caring for a client who is in preterm labor at 32 weeks of gestation. The client asks the nurse. "Will my baby be okay?" Which of the following responses should the nurse offer?

A) Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC):
Abruptio placentae is a condition characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. It can lead to significant bleeding and release of thromboplastin, which triggers widespread clotting within small blood vessels throughout the body. As a result, the client is at risk for developing DIC, a serious condition characterized by both widespread clotting and bleeding. Petechiae and bleeding around the IV access site are signs that the client may be experiencing abnormal clotting and hemorrhage, which are characteristic of DIC.

B) Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. While preeclampsia is a potential complication of pregnancy, it is not directly associated with abruptio placentae.

C) Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (Amniotic fluid embolism):
Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy, also known as amniotic fluid embolism, is a rare but potentially life-threatening obstetric emergency. It occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, or other debris enter the maternal circulation, leading to a systemic inflammatory response. While it can cause sudden and severe symptoms, such as hypotension, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular collapse, it is not directly related to the bleeding and clotting abnormalities seen in abruptio placentae.

D) Puerperal infection:
Puerperal infection refers to infections that occur following childbirth. While infection is a potential complication after any delivery, it is not directly associated with the bleeding and clotting abnormalities seen in abruptio placentae.

C) Position the client on her side:
Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, which could compromise fetal oxygenation. The priority nursing action is to reposition the client on her side to alleviate pressure on the vena cava and improve placental blood flow. Side-lying position, particularly the left lateral position, can enhance placental perfusion and alleviate pressure on the vena cava, thus improving fetal oxygenation.

A) Elevate the client's legs:
Elevating the client's legs is not the priority action for addressing late decelerations. While it might be beneficial in some situations, the immediate priority is to reposition the client to improve uteroplacental perfusion.

B) Increase the infusion rate of the IV fluid:
Increasing the infusion rate of IV fluid is not the priority action for addressing late decelerations. While ensuring adequate hydration is important during labor, the priority is to reposition the client to improve uteroplacental perfusion.

D) Administer oxygen via face mask:
Administering oxygen via face mask is an appropriate intervention for fetal distress; however, repositioning the client to alleviate late decelerations takes precedence. If late decelerations persist after repositioning, then providing oxygen therapy would be the next appropriate action.