Final answer:
Changing the mother's position during childbirth is used to relieve umbilical cord compression, which is critical for improving oxygen delivery to the fetus and preventing fetal distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Having the client change position is an appropriate intervention for a variable deceleration to relieve umbilical cord compression. Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in fetal heart rate, often associated with cord compression, which can compromise fetal oxygenation. By changing the mother's position, it can help alleviate the pressure on the umbilical cord, providing immediate relief to the fetus. This intervention can help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus, reducing the risk of fetal distress.