A primigravida calls the Labor & Delivery unit and tells the nurse that she is 39 weeks pregnant and that over the past few days, although her breathing has become easier, she now feels the urge to urinate more often and has more swelling in her ankles and feet.
The nurse tells the client that she is experiencing what is commonly called:

Choice A rationale

Documenting the findings in the client's medical record is important but is not the priority action when persistent late decelerations are noted. Immediate interventions are needed to improve fetal oxygenation.

Choice B rationale

Notifying the healthcare provider immediately is crucial as persistent late decelerations indicate fetal distress. The provider can decide on further interventions to ensure the safety of the mother and fetus.

Choice C rationale

Administering a tocolytic medication to stop contractions is not appropriate in this scenario. The priority is to improve fetal oxygenation, not to stop contractions.

Choice D rationale

Repositioning the client to a side-lying position can help improve blood flow to the uterus and placenta, enhancing fetal oxygenation. This is a priority intervention.

Choice E rationale

Administering pain medication to the client is not a priority in this situation. The focus should be on addressing fetal distress and improving oxygenation.

Choice F rationale

Administering oxygen to the client increases the oxygen available to the fetus and is a priority intervention when persistent late decelerations are noted.

Choice A rationale

Proteinuria and vomiting at 35 weeks gestation are significant symptoms that could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition that requires immediate assessment and management to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.

Choice B rationale

Urinary urgency, frequency, and burning at 39 weeks gestation suggest a possible urinary tract infection (UTI), which is concerning but generally not as immediately critical as symptoms suggesting preeclampsia.

Choice C rationale

A fasting blood sugar of 95 mg/dL and a 3-hour glucose of 120 at 30 weeks gestation indicate good control of blood sugar levels, which is not as high-risk as preeclampsia symptoms.

Choice D rationale

A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL and a potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L at 34 weeks gestation are within normal ranges and do not indicate an immediate high-risk condition compared to the potential for preeclampsia.