A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is in labor and requires an internal fetal scalp electrode. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Take an over-the-counter antacid. Antacids are primarily used for heartburn, not for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. While some antacids may provide mild relief, they are not the first-line recommendation for managing morning sickness. Instead, dietary and lifestyle modifications are preferred.
B. Eat dry, bland foods in the morning. Consuming dry, bland foods such as crackers or toast before getting out of bed can help manage nausea by stabilizing blood sugar levels and preventing an empty stomach, which can worsen symptoms. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can also help prevent nausea from returning.
C. Restrict fluids to 1,000 mL/day. Fluid restriction is not recommended, as adequate hydration is essential during pregnancy. Instead, clients experiencing nausea should sip fluids between meals rather than with meals to reduce gastric fullness and discomfort. Dehydration can worsen nausea and increase the risk of complications.
D. Increase intake of fresh fruits. While fresh fruits provide essential vitamins and hydration, they may not specifically alleviate nausea. Some acidic or high-fiber fruits can even trigger nausea in sensitive individuals. Instead, clients should focus on easily digestible foods and consume fluids separately from meals.

A. Fetal heart tones 98/min. A fetal heart rate below 110 bpm indicates fetal bradycardia, which can signal distress and compromised oxygenation. A sudden gush of fluid suggests ruptured membranes, increasing the risk of umbilical cord prolapse, which can further restrict blood flow to the fetus. Immediate interventions, such as repositioning the client and preparing for emergency delivery, may be necessary. Fetal bradycardia is a critical finding that requires urgent medical attention.
B. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge. A foul odor may indicate an intra-amniotic infection such as chorioamnionitis, which requires antibiotic treatment. Infection can increase the risk of preterm labor and fetal complications. However, infection progresses over time, whereas fetal bradycardia is an immediate threat. Therefore, while infection management is important, stabilizing the fetus is the higher priority.
C. Amniotic fluid with meconium noted. The presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid can indicate fetal distress due to hypoxia. Meconium aspiration syndrome is a concern, as it can cause respiratory complications after birth. While this requires careful monitoring and possible neonatal resuscitation at delivery, fetal bradycardia indicates an immediate oxygenation issue that must be addressed first.
D. Maternal temperature 38.3°C (101°F). A maternal fever suggests infection, which can lead to maternal and fetal complications if untreated. Infections like chorioamnionitis can cause preterm labor, fetal tachycardia, and neonatal sepsis. However, an abnormal fetal heart rate, especially bradycardia, is the most urgent concern, as it may indicate immediate fetal distress requiring emergency intervention.