After the delivery of the placenta, a nurse in labor and delivery examines the umbilical cord.
Which of the following vessels should the nurse expect to observe in the umbilical cord?

Choice A rationale

Administering oxygen via face mask is a common intervention for many complications during labor. However, it is not the first-line intervention for late decelerations. Late decelerations are a sign of fetal distress, often due to uteroplacental insufficiency. While oxygen can help increase oxygenation to the fetus, it does not address the root cause of the problem.

Choice B rationale

Elevating the patient’s legs is not typically the priority action when late decelerations are noted. This action would not alleviate the cause of late decelerations.

Choice C rationale

Having the patient turn to a side-lying position is often the first intervention when late decelerations are noted. This position helps increase blood flow to the placenta, potentially alleviating uteroplacental insufficiency and improving fetal oxygenation.

Choice D rationale

Increasing the infusion rate of IV fluids is not the first-line intervention for late decelerations. While it may be part of the management plan, it is not the priority action.

Choice A rationale

Increasing the rate of maintenance IV infusion is not the first action the nurse should take when observing that the fetal heart rate begins to slow after the start of a contraction and the lowest rate occurs after the peak of the contraction. This pattern is known as late decelerations and is often associated with fetal hypoxemia due to insufficient placental perfusion.

Choice B rationale

The nurse should first place the client in the lateral position. This position can improve placental blood flow and may help to resolve the late decelerations.

Choice C rationale

Administering oxygen using a nasal cannula may be beneficial, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The priority is to improve placental blood flow, which can be achieved by changing the client’s position.

Choice D rationale

Elevating the client’s legs is not the first action the nurse should take. This action would not directly address the issue of late decelerations.