The student nurse learns that the hormone necessary for milk production is

A. Human placental lactogen (hPL) is a hormone produced by the placenta that helps regulate the metabolism of the mother and fetus, but it is not used as the basis for pregnancy tests. It plays a role in modulating the metabolic state of the mother during pregnancy to facilitate the energy supply of the fetus.

B. Estrogen (estriol) is another hormone produced by the placenta, which is important for maintaining pregnancy and preparing the body for childbirth. However, it is not the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. Estriol levels increase significantly during pregnancy but are not used as a marker for pregnancy tests.

C. Progesterone (progestin) is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining and supporting early pregnancy. While it is essential for a successful pregnancy, it is not the hormone that pregnancy tests detect. Progesterone helps prevent uterine contractions and supports the endometrium.

D. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. It is produced by the placenta shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. The presence of hCG in the blood or urine is a reliable indicator of pregnancy, which is why it is the basis for pregnancy tests.

Assist the client to turn onto her side. This is the correct answer because turning the client onto her side can improve blood flow to the placenta and increase fetal oxygenation. Hypotension is a common cause of decreased uteroplacental perfusion, which can lead to fetal distress and late decelerations on the fetal monitor. The nurse should also administer oxygen, increase IV fluids, and notify the provider. • Choice B reason:

Prepare for an immediate vaginal delivery. This is not the correct answer because there is no indication that the client is ready for delivery. The client has 6 cm of cervical dilation, which means she is still in the active phase of labor. The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) and ends with delivery of the baby. Preparing for an immediate vaginal delivery would not address the cause of hypotension or improve fetal oxygenation. • Choice C reason:

Prepare for a cesarean birth. This is not the correct answer because there is no indication that the client needs a cesarean birth. A cesarean birth may be indicated if there are signs of fetal compromise, such as severe variable or late decelerations, or maternal complications, such as placenta previa or cord prolapse. However, these conditions are not present in this scenario. Preparing for a cesarean birth would not address the cause of hypotension or improve fetal oxygenation. • Choice D reason:

Assist the client to an upright position. This is not the correct answer because placing the client in an upright position can worsen hypotension and decrease uteroplacental perfusion. An upright position can increase pressure on the inferior vena cava and reduce venous return to the heart. This can lower cardiac output.