Final answer:
In the case of late decelerations indicating fetal distress, the appropriate nursing action is to provide oxygen to the mother, reposition her to her left side, and discontinue oxytocin infusion to reduce uterine contractions and improve fetal oxygenation.
Step-by-step explanation:
During labor, oxytocin plays a crucial role by stimulating uterine contractions, which in turn put pressure on the cervix and promote the delivery of the baby. The peptide-derived hormone oxytocin is crucial for uterine contractions and dilation of the cervix. As smooth muscle cells of the uterus become more sensitive to oxytocin towards the end of pregnancy, they help facilitate childbirth through a positive feedback mechanism.
However, when there are late decelerations indicating potential fetal distress such as fetal hypoxia and acidosis, immediate action is required to increase oxygenation to the fetus. Nursing actions include providing oxygen, repositioning the client onto their left side, and increasing intravenous fluid infusion. These steps aim to improve the fetal oxygen supply. Crucially, in the presence of late decelerations, it is essential to stop the infusion of oxytocin (pitocin), as this will decrease the frequency of contractions, allowing the fetus time to recover and receive more oxygen.
Therefore, in the context of late decelerations and the goal of increasing fetal oxygenation, the correct course of action would be c) Providing oxygen and repositioning the client. This contrasts with b) Increasing the infusion rate of oxytocin, which would only exacerbate the problem by increasing the strength and frequency of contractions.