Final answer:
When a nurse notes a pattern of late decelerations on the fetal monitor, appropriate nursing actions include administering oxygen, changing the mother's position, and monitoring blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse observes a pattern of late decelerations on the fetal monitor, it indicates that there is a decrease in blood flow to the fetus during contractions. This can be a sign of fetal distress and requires appropriate nursing actions to ensure the well-being of the baby.
One of the appropriate nursing actions is to administer oxygen by facemask. This helps increase the oxygen supply to the fetus and counteracts the decrease in blood flow caused by the late decelerations. Oxygen therapy can help improve the fetal heart rate and prevent further complications.
Another appropriate nursing action is to change the mother's position. Sometimes, the pattern of late decelerations can be caused by the pressure of the uterus on the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in oxygen supply. Changing the mother's position can alleviate the pressure and improve blood flow to the fetus.
Lastly, monitoring the mother's blood pressure and administering medications if necessary is also an appropriate nursing action. High blood pressure can contribute to the occurrence of late decelerations, so it is important to monitor and manage the mother's blood pressure levels to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.