“A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings for a patient who is at 20 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?”

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.

Choice A rationale
Limiting the length of breastfeeding to 5 minutes per breast is not typically recommended. It’s important for the baby to empty each breast completely, as the fat content of the milk increases as the breast empties.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the newborn’s latch while breastfeeding is crucial. A poor latch can cause sore nipples. The baby should take as much of the areola into their mouth as possible, with more areola showing at the top lip than the bottom.
Choice C rationale
Waiting 4 hours between daytime feedings is not typically recommended for a breastfeeding newborn. Newborns typically need to feed every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times in 24 hours.
Choice D rationale
Offering supplemental formula between the newborn’s feedings can interfere with establishing a good milk supply and should be avoided unless medically necessary.