A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a decrease in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

Hypomagnesemia is not typically a primary concern for newborns of mothers with diabetes mellitus. While it can occur in newborns, it is not directly related to macrosomia or maternal diabetes.
Choice B rationale
Hypocalcemia can occur in newborns, especially preterm infants, infants of diabetic mothers, and those with perinatal asphyxia. However, it is not the primary concern in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Hyperbilirubinemia can occur in newborns for a variety of reasons, including prematurity, blood group incompatibility, and other factors. While infants of diabetic mothers may have an increased risk of jaundice, it is not the primary concern in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Hypoglycemia is the correct answer. Infants of diabetic mothers are at risk for hypoglycemia after birth. During pregnancy, the fetus produces extra insulin in response to the mother’s high blood glucose levels. After birth, the newborn continues to produce extra insulin for a short time until it adjusts to normal glucose-insulin balance. This can lead to hypoglycemia, which is a primary concern and requires immediate attention.

• Increase the oxytocin infusion to 13 mU/min: This is an anticipated action. The client’s contractions are becoming more frequent and intense, and her cervix is dilating and effacing. Increasing the oxytocin infusion can help to further progress labor.
• Place client in a side-lying position: This is an anticipated action. The side-lying position can help to improve maternal and fetal circulation and can also help to alleviate back pain.
• Initiate bolus of primary IV fluids: This is an anticipated action. The client is in labor and may not be able to consume adequate fluids orally. Providing IV fluids can help to prevent dehydration.
• Apply oxygen at 10 L/min via venturi mask: This is a nonessential action. The client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are within normal limits, and she is not reporting any difficulty breathing.
• Perform sterile vaginal exam: This is an anticipated action. Regular vaginal exams are necessary to assess the progress of labor, including changes in cervical dilation, effacement, and fetal station.
• Assign a Bishop score: This is a nonessential action. The Bishop score is typically used to evaluate the readiness of the cervix for induction of labor. As the client is already in labor and her cervix is dilating and effacing, assigning a Bishop score is not necessary at this time.
• Perform an amniotomy: This is a nonessential action. An amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes) can be used to induce or augment labor, but it is not necessary if labor is progressing normally, as it appears to be in this client. Please note that these are potential actions and the healthcare provider should be informed immediately for further evaluation and management. It’s important to continue following the provider’s prescriptions and closely monitor the client’s condition.