Discontinuing the oxytocin infusion decreases uterine stimulation and eases intrauterine pressure; continuing the oxytocin may lead to fetal hypoxia, placental separation, or uterine rupture.
Turning the client on her side increases oxygen perfusion to the fetus.
The primary healthcare provider should be notified to obtain additional prescriptions.
Contractions lasting longer than 90 seconds warrant stopping the oxytocin infusion to prevent uterine rupture.
Magnesium sulfate is prescribed for preterm labor to inhibit contractions; this client needs to continue with labor. The goal is to decrease the length of contractions, not to stop them.
Which variation in fetal heart rate requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
Late decelerations are considered a nonreassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern, and therefore require immediate intervention.
What fetal heart rate usually indicates serious fetal distress?
The relation between fetal distress and the subsequent condition at birth was studied in 2791 pregnancies. Fetal distress was defined as a heart rate greater than 160 or less than 120/min between uterine contractions, with or without meconium-stained liquor.
What is a normal fetal heart rate pattern during labor?
The normal FHR tracing include baseline rate between 110-160 beats per minute (bpm), moderate variability (6-25 bpm), presence of accelerations and no decelerations. Uterine activity is monitored simultaneously: contractions frequency, duration, amplitude and relaxation time must be also normal.
What is the nurse's role in the management of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns?
Generally, nursing interventions are attempted first to restore normal oxygenation to the baby. These include the administration of supplemental oxygen, changes in maternal position, increasing intravenous fluids, and the administration of medications that subdue contractions and maximize placental blood flow.