Final answer:
Nursing actions for variable decelerations include administering oxygen and changing maternal positions to relieve umbilical cord compression and improve fetal oxygenation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing actions associated with variable decelerations are focused on addressing the underlying cause and supporting the fetus. Variable decelerations are often associated with cord compression and can be a sign of fetal distress. In response to variable decelerations, the recommended nursing actions include administering oxygen to the mother to increase fetal oxygenation and changing maternal positions to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord. This may involve moving the mother to her left side, which can improve uteroplacental blood flow, or into a knee-chest position to reduce compression of the umbilical cord.
Other interventions, such as administering pain medication, encouraging the Valsalva maneuver, or increasing oxytocin infusion are not typically associated with the management of variable decelerations and may not be appropriate without further clinical assessment. It is essential that nursing interventions are tailored to the specific clinical situation and based on continuous fetal heart monitoring.