A nurse is caring for a client who is menopausal and asks the nurse about the use of herbal therapies to reduce her discomfort. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

- A. Administer oxygen via face mask.
- Administering oxygen can be beneficial as it increases maternal oxygenation, which can improve fetal oxygenation. However, it is not the first-line action for late decelerations.Late decelerations are a sign of uteroplacental insufficiency, and while oxygen helps, repositioning the mother is more critical to address the root cause. Oxygen administration is a supportive measure but does not directly address the potential compression of the umbilical cord or placental perfusion issues.

- B. Position the client on her side.
Positioning the client on her side, specifically the left side, can improve uteroplacental circulation, addressing the cause of late decelerations.This position helps to relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, enhancing blood flow to the placenta and fetus.It is a non-invasive, immediate intervention that can potentially correct the issue of late decelerations quickly.

- C. Increase the infusion rate of the IV fluid.Increasing the infusion rate of IV fluids can improve maternal blood volume, potentially improving placental perfusion.However, this action is not as immediate in effect as repositioning the client and is considered a secondary measure.It may be used in conjunction with other actions but should not be the priority intervention for late decelerations.

- D. Elevate the client's legs.
Elevating the client's legs can increase venous return to the heart, potentially improving maternal cardiac output and placental blood flow.However, this action is less effective than lateral positioning in addressing uteroplacental insufficiency.It is not the first-line response for late decelerations and may not provide the immediate correction needed.

Rationale:

A. This statement is incorrect. The sex of the baby is determined at conception, based on whether the sperm carries an X or Y chromosome.

B. This statement is accurate, but it does not specifically address fetal development milestones.

C. "The baby's heartbeat is audible by a Doppler stethoscope at 12 weeks of pregnancy." This statement is correct. Fetal heartbeat can typically be detected using a Doppler stethoscope around 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, providing an important milestone in prenatal care.

D. This statement is incorrect. Quickening, or the first perception of fetal movement by the mother, typically occurs around weeks 16 to 25 of pregnancy, with the first movements usually felt around week 18 to 20.