Final answer:
To ensure fetal safety during the second stage of labor, nurses should monitor contractions and the fetal heart rate to detect distress, use medications like Pitocin judiciously to avoid uterine overstimulation, position the mother correctly, and provide guidance on pushing. Post-delivery, the placenta and fetal membranes should be inspected, and breastfeeding should be encouraged to support uterine involution.
Step-by-step explanation:
To ensure fetal safety during the second stage of labor, several nursing instructions should be followed. It is vital to allow a period of relaxation between contractions to prevent fetal distress, which can be indicated by a sustained decrease or increase in the fetal heart rate. Distress may occur if contractions are too intense or too long, preventing the restoration of oxygenated blood flow to the fetus. In such situations, emergency interventions such as vacuum, forceps, or a Caesarian section may be necessary. Additionally, correct maternal positioning, continuous fetal monitoring, and providing clear guidance on when to push can aid in ensuring the safety of the fetus during this stage.
Monitoring the duration and strength of contractions is important to ensure they are effective yet not overly forceful to cause fetal distress. The fetal heart rate should be monitored continuously to promptly identify any signs of distress. If the labor does not progress as expected, medications like synthetic oxytocin, known as Pitocin, may be administered to enhance contractions and advance labor. However, the administration of any medication should be closely monitored to avoid overstimulation of the uterus.
After the baby is born, examining the expelled placenta and fetal membranes for integrity is also crucial to avoid postpartum complications, such as hemorrhage. Encouraging the mother to breastfeed can facilitate the process of uterine involution, helping her uterus and abdominal organs return to their pre-pregnancy state, which is an essential aspect of postnatal care.