Final answer:
The most vital action in the event of a cord prolapse is to elevate the mother's hips to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord. Oxytocin is the key hormone responsible for contractions during labor, which assists in the birthing process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important action when cord prolapse is determined is c. Elevate the mother's hips. Cord prolapse is a medical emergency during childbirth where the umbilical cord comes out of the uterus with or before the presenting part of the baby. The immediate goal is to relieve pressure on the cord to preserve blood flow to the baby until an emergency delivery can take place, often by cesarean section. Elevating the mother's hips can help relieve this pressure. While administering oxygen and calling for help are also important, they are secondary actions. Attempting to push the cord back inside is not advised due to the risk of infection and potential damage to the cord or placenta.
In the context of labor and delivery, oxytocin is the hormone primarily responsible for contractions, which helps to facilitate childbirth. During labor, the cervix dilates and thins out to allow the baby to be expelled, followed by the placenta. In some cases, synthetic oxytocin, or Pitocin, may be administered to induce or maintain labor.