Final answer:
When a pregnant person at 39 weeks of gestation is experiencing recurrent variable fetal heart rate decelerations, nurses should monitor fetal heart patterns, improve fetal blood flow by positioning the patient, administer supplemental oxygen, notify medical professionals, and prepare for emergency interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario where a 16-year-old pregnant person, gravida 1, para 0, at 39 weeks of gestation, is 10 cm dilated and pushing, with contractions every 2 minutes while experiencing recurrent variable fetal heart rate decelerations, the following appropriate nursing actions should be applied:
Conduct continuous fetal heart monitoring to assess the pattern and severity of decelerations.
Position the patient on her left side to improve fetal blood flow and oxygenation and prevent compression of the vena cava.
Administer supplemental oxygen to the patient to enhance fetal oxygenation.
Notify the obstetrician or midwife to assess the situation and determine if immediate intervention is necessary.
Prepare for potential emergency delivery interventions, such as vacuum, forceps, or Caesarean section, if fetal distress does not resolve.
The goal of these actions is to ensure the safety and well-being of both the patient and the fetus through careful monitoring and readiness to intervene if fetal distress continues.