Final answer:
A protruding umbilical cord during birth is identified as an umbilical cord prolapse, a serious condition requiring immediate obstetric assistance, a position change from the mother and typically an emergency cesarean section to safely deliver the baby.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition in which a nurse observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina is known as umbilical cord prolapse. This is a serious medical emergency during delivery, as it can obstruct blood flow to the baby, potentially causing severe brain damage or death. The standard immediate action in such a situation is to call for obstetric help. The health professional should lift the presenting part of the baby from the cord to decrease pressure on it, either manually, or by directing the woman to get on her hands and knees, so that gravity can aid in lifting the baby away from the cord. An emergency cesarean section is usually performed to deliver the baby as quickly as possible. It is essential to monitor the baby's heart rate as it can give an indication of the baby's stress level.
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