A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing an external nonstress test at 40 weeks of gestation and notes variable decelerations on the fetal monitor tracing that are unresponsive to interventions such as repositioning and oxygen administration.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

Prepare the client for an amnioinfusion.An amnioinfusion is a procedure that adds fluid to the uterus during labor to relieve cord compression and improve fetal condition.Variable decelerations on the fetal monitor tracing are a sign of cord compression and fetal distress.If repositioning and oxygen administration do not resolve the decelerations, an amnioinfusion may be indicated.

Choice B is wrong because applying an internal fetal scalp electrode does not address the cause of variable decelerations, which is cord compression.

An internal fetal scalp electrode is used to monitor the fetal heart rate more accurately, but it does not improve fetal oxygenation or prevent cord compression.

Choice C is wrong because administering IV fluid bolus to the client may help increase maternal blood volume and placental perfusion, but it does not directly increase amniotic fluid volume or relieve cord compression.

Choice D is wrong because discontinuing oxytocin infusion if present may reduce uterine contractions and decrease cord compression, but it may also prolong labor and increase the risk of infection or fetal compromise.Oxytocin infusion should only be discontinued if there are signs of uterine hyperstimulation or fetal intolerance.

Notify the provider and prepare for delivery.Oligohydramnios is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume is less than expected for gestational age and it is associated with maternal and fetal complications.

The nonstress test (NST) is a method of fetal surveillance that measures the fetal heart rate response to fetal movement.A reactive NST is defined as at least two accelerations of 15 beats per minute or more above the baseline, lasting 15 seconds or more, within a 20-minute period.

A nonreactive NST indicates fetal hypoxia or acidosis and requires further evaluation.An acoustic stimulator can be used to elicit fetal movement and accelerations, but it should not be repeated more than once in a 10-minute period.

Therefore, choice A is wrong because repeating the acoustic stimulation after 1 minute is too soon and may cause fetal distress.

Choice B is wrong because documenting the finding as a nonreactive NST is not enough to address the situation.Choice C is wrong because performing a contraction stress test (CST) is contraindicated in oligohydramnios because it may cause umbilical cord compression and fetal compromise.

The CST involves inducing uterine contractions with oxytocin or nipple stimulation and monitoring the fetal heart rate for signs of intolerance.

A negative CST means that there