A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor.The nurse observes late decelerations of the fetal heart rate on the external fetal monitor.
After placing the client in a side-lying position, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
Terbutaline, a medication used to suppress preterm labor, can cause heart palpitations as an adverse effect. This is due to its action as a beta-adrenergic agonist, which can increase heart rate.
Choice B rationale

Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a typical adverse effect of terbutaline. Terbutaline is more likely to cause tachycardia, or a fast heart rate.
Choice C rationale
Hot flashes are not a common adverse effect of terbutaline. They are more commonly associated with hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause.
Choice D rationale
Shortness of breath is not a typical adverse effect of terbutaline. However, if it occurs, it could indicate a serious condition like pulmonary edema and should be reported immediately.

Choice A rationale
Performing a fundal massage is not the appropriate action for a client with placenta previa who is experiencing a large amount of vaginal bleeding. Fundal massage is typically used to stimulate contractions and reduce postpartum hemorrhage after the delivery of the placenta. However, in the case of placenta previa, where the placenta is covering the cervix, a fundal massage could potentially cause more harm and increase bleeding.
Choice B rationale
Assessing for abdominal tenderness is not the most immediate action for a nurse to take when a client with placenta previa is exhibiting a large amount of vaginal bleeding. While abdominal tenderness could indicate a complication such as placental abruption, the primary concern with placenta previa is the risk of severe bleeding that can endanger both the mother and the baby.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining serial hemoglobin and hematocrit is the correct action in this situation. These laboratory tests are important for monitoring the client’s blood loss and determining the need for a possible blood transfusion. With a large amount of vaginal bleeding, the client is at risk for anemia and hypovolemic shock, so close monitoring of blood levels is crucial.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring vital signs closely is an important part of care for any client, but it is not the most specific action a nurse should take for a client with placenta previa who is experiencing a large amount of vaginal bleeding. Vital sign changes could indicate worsening of the client’s condition, but these changes often occur late in the progression of blood loss. Therefore, while important, it is not the most immediate action to take.