A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant and is at the end of her first trimester. The nurse should place the Doppler ultrasound stethoscope in which of the following locations to begin assessing for the fetal heart tones (FHT)?

Increase the oxytocin infusion to 13 mu/min:

Anticipated: This action is anticipated. The nurse may consider adjusting the oxytocin infusion rate based on the progress of labor and the response to the current infusion rate.

Place client in a side-lying position:

Anticipated: Placing the client in a side-lying position is an anticipated action. This position can enhance fetal oxygenation and blood flow, especially if there are concerns about fetal well-being.

Initiate bolus of primary IV fluids:

Anticipated: Initiating a bolus of primary IV fluids is an anticipated action. Adequate hydration is important during labor, and a bolus may be initiated if there are signs of dehydration or as part of the overall management plan.

Apply oxygen at 10 L/min via a venturi mask:

Anticipated: Applying oxygen at 10 L/min via a venturi mask is an anticipated action. Oxygen may be administered to the mother to improve oxygenation and, consequently, fetal oxygenation.

Perform sterile vaginal examination (SVE):

Nonessential: Based on the information provided, there is no indication for a sterile vaginal examination at this time. The cervical assessment was performed earlier at 0600, and frequent unnecessary SVEs can increase the risk of infection.

Assign a Bishop score:

Nonessential: Assigning a Bishop score is not essential at this point. The client's cervical status was assessed earlier at 0600, and the current focus is on monitoring the progress of labor with oxytocin.

Choice A Reason:

Oxygen Saturation: While oxygen saturation is important, it is not the highest priority assessment related to amniotomy. Monitoring oxygen levels is crucial during labor, but other factors take precedence

Choice B Reason:

Temperature:Correct. The nurse should prioritize monitoring the client’s temperature following an amniotomy. If the patient’s temperature is38°C (100.4°F) or higher, the nurse needs to notify the primary care physician promptly. Elevated temperature can indicate infection, which is a significant concern after the rupture of membranes.The nurse should also assess for other signs of infection, such as chills, uterine tenderness on palpation, foul-smelling vaginal drainage, and fetal tachycardia.

Choice C Reason:

Blood pressure is incorrect. Blood pressure is an essential parameter to monitor during labor, but it may not be the immediate priority when planning an amniotomy. Oxygen saturation takes precedence as it provides more direct information about the oxygenation status of both the mother and the fetus.

Choice D Reason:

Urinary output is incorrect. Urinary output is a vital sign to monitor, but it may not be the immediate priority when preparing for an amniotomy. O2 saturation is more directly relevant to the potential effects on the fetus during this intervention.