A nurse is planning care for a newborn who is scheduled to start phototherapy using a lamp. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used to enhance lung maturity in preterm infants and has no role in treating uterine atony.

Choice B rationale:

Hydralazine is an antihypertensive medication used to lower blood pressure and is not indicated for the management of uterine atony.

Choice C rationale:

Terbutaline is a tocolytic medication used to relax the uterus and delay preterm labour. It is not used to address uterine atony.

Choice D rationale:

Methylergonovine is a uterotonic medication commonly used to treat uterine atony by causing uterine contractions and controlling postpartum bleeding. It helps the uterus contract and prevents further blood loss.