Using Leopold's Maneuvers, the fetus is found to be with its occiput facing toward the left maternal spine.
The mother is complaining of increased back labor pain.
The nurse knows that the fetus is in which position?

Choice A rationale

A temperature of 37.8°C (100.3°F) is a low-grade fever that does not typically indicate a serious issue in the context of epidural analgesia during labor. It should be monitored, but it's not immediately concerning.

Choice B rationale

Generalized itching can be a common side effect of epidural analgesia due to the opioids used. It should be monitored and managed, but it does not typically require immediate physician notification.

Choice C rationale

Weakness of the lower extremities can be expected with epidural analgesia as it causes a loss of sensation and muscle control. This should be monitored, but it is not typically an emergency.

Choice D rationale

Fetal bradycardia is a serious concern that must be reported to the physician immediately. It can indicate fetal distress and requires urgent evaluation and intervention to ensure the well-being of the baby. .

Choice A rationale

Maternal fever due to chorioamnionitis would show maternal signs of infection and not directly indicate fetal heart rate changes typical of umbilical cord prolapse.

Choice B rationale

Compression due to lack of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) typically shows variable decelerations on the fetal monitoring strip but is not urgent without other symptoms.

Choice C rationale

Umbilical cord prolapse is an urgent condition where the umbilical cord slips ahead of the fetus and can be indicated by sudden severe variable decelerations on the fetal monitor strip, requiring immediate intervention.

Choice D rationale

Progression of the fetal head through the vaginal canal shows a gradual change in the fetal heart rate and not the sudden pattern seen with cord prolapse.