Answer :
Final answer:
The nurse should reposition the mother on her left side upon noting persistent early decelerations, as these indicate fetal head compression. This repositioning helps improve uteroplacental circulation without indicating immediate fetal distress, so the correct option is (c).
Explanation:
The correct action that the nurse should take when noting persistent early decelerations on the fetal monitoring strip is c) Reposition the mother on her left side. Early decelerations are usually a sign of fetal head compression during contractions, often seen during the active phase of labor where the fetus descends into the birth canal. They are typically not a sign of fetal distress and are considered a normal pattern. However, the nurse should continue to monitor the fetal heart rate closely for any changes that may indicate distress.
Repositioning the mother on her left side can improve uteroplacental circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen to the fetus. Optimal positioning can alleviate any potential compression of the umbilical cord, which could be contributing to the decelerations. On the contrary, preparing for imminent delivery (a), administering oxygen to the mother (b), and increasing the rate of IV fluids (d) are not the first-line responses to early decelerations as they are typically tailored to different fetal heart rate patterns or signs of fetal distress.
