Final answer:
In cases where a pregnant woman at 38 weeks is in labor with regular contractions and fetal heart rate decelerations, the next step may involve immediate cesarean section if the decelerations indicate fetal distress. Continued monitoring and labor is an option if there is no immediate danger.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a pregnant woman at 38 weeks of gestation is in labor with regular contractions and fetal heart rate decelerations, the next step in management should be tailored to the specific clinical situation. However, in general, the presence of fetal heart rate decelerations can be a sign of fetal distress. In such cases, close monitoring of the fetal heart rate is critical. If the decelerations are severe or persistent, indicating that the fetus may be at risk, an immediate cesarean section (c-section) may be necessary to deliver the baby as quickly as possible.
If the fetal heart rate decelerations are not indicative of immediate danger, continued monitoring and labor may be appropriate. Administering tocolytics is usually not the correct action in active labor at full term, as these medications are intended to halt preterm labor. Inducing labor with oxytocin may not be appropriate when labor is already established and progressing with regular contractions.