MEDizzy - A multigravida in active labor is 7 cm dilated. The fetal

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The Multigravid Client in Labor

A multigravida in active labor is 7 cm dilated. The fetal heart rate baseline is 130 bpm with moderate variability. The client begins to have vari- able decelerations to 100 to 110 bpm. What should the nurse do next?

ExplanationThe cause of variable decelerations is cord compression, which may be relieved by moving the client to one side or another. If the client is already on the left side, changing the client to the right side is appropriate. Performing a vaginal examination will let the nurse know how far dilated the client is but will not relieve the cord compression. If the decelerations are not relieved by position changes, oxygen should be initiated but the rate should be 8 to 10 L/minute. Notifying the physician should occur if turning the client and administering oxygen do not relieve the decelerations.