A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient undergoing labor induction with oxytocin administered through a secondary IV line.

Uterine contractions occur every 2 minutes, last 90 seconds, and are strong to palpation.

The baseline fetal heart rate is 150/min, with uniform decelerations beginning at the peak of the contraction and a return to baseline after the contraction is over.

What action should the nurse take?

The correct answer is Choice D

Choice A rationale: Notifying the provider is important but not the first priority in this situation. The maternal hypotension (BP 92/54 mm Hg) and elevated maternal heart rate (128/min) suggest decreased perfusion, which can compromise uteroplacental blood flow. Immediate intervention is required before notifying the provider, especially if positioning can restore circulation and fetal oxygenation. Waiting to call without correcting the underlying cause may result in fetal distress or worsening maternal status.

Choice B rationale: While uncontrolled pain may contribute to elevated maternal heart rate, the hypotension and tachycardia suggest a more urgent hemodynamic imbalance. Pain management may become appropriate after stabilizing maternal circulation. Focusing on pain relief first delays essential interventions to improve perfusion, risking fetal compromise due to inadequate uteroplacental oxygen delivery. The fetal heart rate of 130/min is reassuring, but maternal circulation must be prioritized to sustain it.

Choice C rationale: A full bladder can contribute to uterine displacement, but there is no indication in the scenario that bladder distention is an issue. Voiding may be done later but does not address the immediate concern of maternal hypotension and compensatory tachycardia. Uteroplacental perfusion depends heavily on maternal blood pressure, and bladder status has secondary importance in the acute phase of circulatory compromise.

Choice D rationale: Elevating one hip improves venous return and cardiac output by relieving pressure on the inferior vena cava, which is compressed by the gravid uterus in the supine position. This correction reduces hypotension and restores uteroplacental perfusion. The maneuver is a first-line response for maternal hypotension in labor, helping stabilize both mother and fetus quickly. Fetal oxygen delivery depends on adequate maternal perfusion, which this position supports.

Choice A rationale
Slowing the client’s rate of breathing would not directly address the issue of strong, frequent contractions and uniform decelerations of the fetal heart rate. These symptoms suggest uterine hyperstimulation, which can compromise fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin would likely exacerbate the problem, as oxytocin can cause uterine hyperstimulation, leading to reduced fetal oxygen supply.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the infusion of the IV oxytocin is the appropriate action. The pattern of contractions and fetal heart rate decelerations suggest uterine hyperstimulation, which can be caused by excessive oxytocin. Stopping the oxytocin infusion can help to normalize the contraction pattern and improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution would not directly address the issue of uterine hyperstimulation and fetal heart rate decelerations.