A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin for induction of labor and notes late decelerations of the fetal heart rate on the monitor tracing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

A postpartum temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F) is within the normal range. Mild temperature elevations can be expected in the immediate postpartum period without indicating infection.

Choice B rationale:

Uterine tenderness is a common finding in endometritis, which is an inflammation or infection of the inner lining of the uterus. The condition can cause pelvic pain and uterine tenderness.

Choice C rationale:

A white blood cell (WBC) count of 9,000/mm³ falls within the normal range for a postpartum client. In endometritis, an elevated WBC count would be expected due to the infection.

Choice D rationale:

Scant lochia (minimal vaginal discharge after childbirth) is a normal finding in the postpartum period and is not associated with endometritis. In endometritis, the lochia may be increased and foul-smelling.

Choice A rationale:

Decreasing the maintenance IV solution infusion rate is not the appropriate action for addressing late decelerations of the fetal heart rate. Late decelerations are a concerning sign during labor, indicating possible fetal distress. This can be caused by inadequate oxygenation of the fetus, and reducing IV fluids would not directly address this issue.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the client in a lateral (side-lying) position is the correct action when late decelerations are observed. This position helps to improve uteroplacental blood flow and can relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, thus increasing oxygen supply to the fetus.

Choice C rationale:

Administering oxygen via face mask at 2 L/min is not the priority action in response to late decelerations. While oxygen may be beneficial in certain situations, it is not the initial intervention for addressing fetal heart rate decelerations.

Choice D rationale:

Administering misoprostol 25 mcg vaginally is not appropriate for addressing late decelerations. Misoprostol is a medication used for cervical ripening and induction of labor, but it does not directly address fetal heart rate changes.