2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A woman is receiving oxytocin to induce labor. Which action should the nurse take first upon noting the presence of late decelerations on the fetal heart rate (FHR) monitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations in fetal heart rate indicate potential fetal distress, often due to uteroplacental insufficiency. Stopping the oxytocin infusion is crucial as it reduces uterine contractions, allowing for improved blood flow and oxygenation to the fetus.
Notifying the healthcare provider (Option A) is important, but immediate action to alleviate the distress takes precedence. Checking the woman's blood pressure and pulse (Option C) is relevant for overall assessment, but does not address the urgent need to stop the oxytocin. Increasing the IV rate (Option D) could exacerbate the situation by increasing uterine activity, worsening fetal distress.