Final answer:
During an amnioinfusion, critical nursing actions include assessing maternal temperature, assembling equipment, documenting fluid exiting the vagina, maintaining sterile technique, and monitoring the fetal heart rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is assisting with an amnioinfusion, there are several critical nursing actions to consider:
- Assessing the maternal temperature to detect any signs of infection which can occur as a complication of the procedure.
- Assembling equipment which includes making sure that all needed materials are prepared and readily available to perform the amnioinfusion safely and efficiently.
- Documenting fluid exiting the vagina because monitoring the amount of fluid that is being infused and subsequently expelled can be important in assessing the success of the amnioinfusion and the well-being of the fetus.
- Maintaining sterile technique throughout the process to prevent infection, which is paramount for both maternal and fetal safety.
- Monitoring the fetal heart rate continuously to ensure that the fetus is tolerating the procedure well and to act quickly in case of distress.
These actions are crucial for the safety of both the mother and the fetus and contribute to the overall success of the amnioinfusion procedure.