In a prenatal clinic, a nurse is caring for a group of clients.

Which client should the nurse identify as having a contraindication for a contraction stress test?

Choice A rationale
Taking a multivitamin daily is generally recommended during pregnancy to ensure the mother and baby receive necessary nutrients. It does not indicate a need for referral to a dietitian.
Choice B rationale
A weight gain of 4.5 kg (10 lb) since a positive pregnancy test could be a concern depending on the timeframe. If this weight gain occurred rapidly, it could indicate issues such as fluid retention or inadequate nutrition, which would warrant a referral to a dietitian.
Choice C rationale
Nausea, particularly in the morning, is a common symptom of early pregnancy often referred to as “morning sickness”. It does not typically require dietary intervention unless it is severe (hyperemesis gravidarum), leading to weight loss and dehydration.
Choice D rationale
Eating prunes is a natural method to manage constipation, a common issue during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that slow digestion. This choice does not indicate a need for a dietitian referral.

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.