Final answer:
When dealing with a prolapsed umbilical cord, the primary goal is to prevent cord compression. This involves medical intervention and possibly elevating the fetal presenting part to relieve pressure on the cord. Reinserting the cord is not recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of a prolapsed umbilical cord following rupture of membranes, the recommended action to prevent cord compression includes keeping the protruding cord moist with warm sterile normal saline compresses to maintain its viability. However, this is not a definitive intervention. The primary measures that need to be taken include elevating the fetal presenting part that is compressing the cord, and prompt medical intervention is required, which might include a cesarean section if necessary. Attempting to reinsert the cord is not a recommended or safe action. The vital immediate step is to minimize pressure on the cord to maintain fetal oxygenation until delivery can be safely conducted.
A Foley catheter may be inserted to keep the bladder empty which could slightly reduce the pressure on the prolapsed cord. However, the most critical steps are those that relieve the pressure on the cord directly, such as manually elevating the presenting part or placing the woman in a knee-chest position or a Trendelenburg position with the intention of relieving the pressure on the cord until delivery.