A client at 37-weeks, 1-day gestation by a 10-week ultrasound, presents to labor and delivery with contractions every 3 to 4 minutes for the last 2 hours.The vaginal exam shows the client is 4 cm dilated, 50% effaced, -3 station.
The membranes are intact.
Contractions occur every 3 to 4 minutes per monitor, lasting 60 seconds, moderate by palpation.
Fetal heart rate is 136 beats/minute with accelerations noted; no decelerations are noted.
The estimated fetal weight by Leopold's is 6 pounds (2.72 kg). The prenatal course is unremarkable, with normal labs.
The client's blood type is A-. An Rh(D) immune globulin injection was received at 28-weeks.

Stopping oxygen per cannula after uterine hyperstimulation and subsequent contraction reduction is not appropriate. Oxygen should be continued to ensure fetal oxygenation, particularly after a period of stress caused by frequent contractions. Discontinuing oxygen too soon may compromise fetal well-being.

Choice B rationale

Checking for clonus in both feet is unrelated to the management of uterine contractions post-oxytocin administration. Clonus assessment is used in evaluating neuromuscular function, often in conditions such as preeclampsia, but not for monitoring uterine activity or response to oxytocin.

Choice C rationale

Notifying the nursery about the client's response is important for continuity of care but does not address the immediate need to manage the uterine contractions. The primary focus should be on stabilizing uterine activity before updating other departments.

Choice D rationale

Restarting the oxytocin infusion rate per protocol is the correct intervention after ensuring that the contractions have reduced to a safe frequency and duration. This approach helps to maintain labor progress while minimizing the risk of hyperstimulation and fetal distress. The nurse should follow the hospital's guidelines for oxytocin titration.

Choice A rationale

While bulb syringe use is important for clearing the newborn's airways, it is not the immediate priority during the fourth stage of labor. This information can be provided later during routine newborn care education.

Choice B rationale

Newborn screening tests are important for identifying potential health issues, but the fourth stage of labor is focused on stabilizing the mother and infant and initiating breastfeeding. Screening information can be shared during the postpartum period.

Choice C rationale

Techniques to breastfeed are critical information to provide during the fourth stage of labor as it helps establish successful breastfeeding early on. This support can enhance maternal-infant bonding and promote breastfeeding success.

Choice D rationale

Circumcision care is relevant for parents who choose to circumcise their infant, but it is not the immediate priority during the fourth stage of labor. This information can be provided during subsequent postpartum visits.