A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin to augment labor. The nurse notes recurrent variable decelerations of the FHR. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Cesarean birth is a factor strongly associated with postpartum deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) After a cesarean section, the risk of developing DVT increases due to reduced mobility and potential trauma to blood vessels during the surgery. Decreased mobility can lead to blood stasis, increasing the risk of clot formation.

Choice B rationale:

Rheumatoid arthritis (Choice B) is not directly associated with an increased risk of postpartum DVT. Other autoimmune disorders, such as antiphospholipid syndrome, may be associated with a higher risk of DVT, but rheumatoid arthritis itself is not a known risk factor.

Choice C rationale:

Hypotension (Choice C) is not directly linked to an increased risk of postpartum DVT. However, hypotension can be associated with other complications and should be managed appropriately.

Choice D rationale:

Uterine atony (Choice D) is excessive bleeding following childbirth due to the uterus not contracting adequately. While it is a postpartum complication, it is not directly associated with an increased risk of DVT.

Choice A rationale:

This would be incorrect advice. Increasing dietary fiber is commonly recommended during pregnancy to prevent constipation, but it does not address stress incontinence.

Choice B rationale:

This is a correct choice. Kegel exercises are beneficial during pregnancy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can help manage stress incontinence.

Choice C rationale:

This would be incorrect advice. Restricting daily fluid intake during pregnancy is generally not recommended as it can lead to dehydration and is unlikely to improve stress incontinence.

Choice D rationale:

This is another correct choice. Caffeine is a bladder irritant and can worsen stress incontinence, so reducing caffeine intake can be helpful.

Choice E rationale:

This would be incorrect advice. Regular exercise during pregnancy is generally encouraged unless there are specific medical reasons to avoid it. Avoiding daily exercise is not the appropriate approach to manage stress incontinence.