A nurse is caring for an infant who has signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
Avoiding performing sterile vaginal examinations does not directly address the issue of uterine atony and excessive bleeding. While limiting vaginal examinations can reduce the risk of infection, it does not treat uterine atony.
Choice B rationale
Administering betamethasone IM is not the appropriate action. Betamethasone is a steroid medication that is often given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm birth to help mature the baby’s lungs. It does not treat uterine atony or excessive bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a specimen for a Kleihauer-Betke test is not the appropriate action in this situation. The Kleihauer-Betke test is used to detect fetal blood in maternal circulation, which is not relevant in this case.
Choice D rationale
Anticipating a prescription for misoprostol is the correct action. Misoprostol is a medication that can be used to treat uterine atony by causing the uterus to contract, which can help control postpartum bleeding.

Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen helps improve oxygenation to the fetus and is the priority intervention for late decelerations. Oxytocin is commonly used for induction and augmentation of labor. Its influence is indirect via increased uterine activity, mostly due to increased frequency of contractions or baseline pressure (hypertonus). Increase in duration or amplitude of contractions can also lead to FHR changes. The FHR changes associated with oxytocin infusion may be caused by compression of the cord with contractions or by the reduction in placental perfusion due to increased intrauterine basal pressure and frequent contractions cutting off the blood supply to the placenta. Therefore, administering oxygen can help improve the oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the client to bear down and push with contractions is not the appropriate action when the fetus is experiencing persistent late decelerations. This action is more associated with the active phase of labor and not with managing fetal distress.
Choice C rationale
Amnioinfusion is a procedure where a saline solution is instilled into the uterus during labor if there is low amniotic fluid, or thick meconium is present. It is not typically used in response to late decelerations in the FHR.
Choice D rationale
Placing the client in a supine position is not the correct action. The supine position can exacerbate a condition known as supine hypotensive syndrome, where the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, reducing venous return to the heart and cardiac output. This can potentially worsen fetal distress.