A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing preterm labor at 29 weeks of gestation and has a prescription for betamethasone. Which of the following statements should the nurse make about the indication for medication administration?

The correct answer is B. Turn the client onto her side.

A. Administering oxygen to the client is a reasonable intervention in the presence of late decelerations, but turning the client onto her side is the priority action to relieve potential compression of the vena cava and improve fetal oxygenation.

B. Turning the client onto her side is the correct first action.

Late decelerations are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. Changing the client's position, especially to the left lateral position, can help alleviate pressure on the vena cava, improving blood flow to the uterus and fetal oxygenation.

C. Increasing the client's IV fluid infusion rate may be considered, but it is not the first action to address late decelerations. Positioning changes should be initiated promptly.

D. Palpating the client's uterus is an assessment that may be done, but it is not the first action when late decelerations are observed. Positioning changes take precedence.

Choice A Reason:

Active is incorrect. The active phase of labor typically begins when the cervix is around 4 to 6 centimeters dilated. Given that the client's cervix is already dilated to 9 cm, she has progressed beyond the active phase.

Choice B Reason:

Transition is correct. The transition phase is the final part of the first stage of labor and occurs when the cervix is dilated from 8 to 10 centimeters. In this phase, contractions are typically strong, occurring every 2 to 3 minutes, and lasting 80 to 90 seconds. The sensation of increasing rectal pressure is common during the transition phase as the baby's head descends further into the birth canal. The advanced cervical dilation to 9 cm also indicates that the client is in the transition phase, preparing for the second stage of labor.

Choice C Reason:

Latent is incorrect. The latent phase is the early part of the first stage of labor, characterized by cervical dilation from 0 to 3 or 4 centimeters. The client's cervix is already dilated to 9 cm, indicating that she has progressed well beyond the latent phase.

Choice D Reason:

Descent is incorrect. The descent phase is generally associated with the second stage of labor, during which the baby moves through the birth canal. The information provided primarily relates to the first stage of labor, specifically the transition phase, as indicated by the cervical dilation of 9 cm.