The laboring primiparous patient with meconium-stained amniotic fluid asks the nurse why the fetal monitor is necessary, as she finds the belt uncomfortable. Which response by the nurse is most important? "The monitor:

Question

1. "Is necessary so we can see how your labor is progressing."
2. "Will prevent complications from the meconium in your fluid."
3. "Helps us to see how the baby is tolerating labor."
4. "Can be removed, and oxygen can be given instead."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: The fetal monitor does not help visualize labor progress. Labor progress is assessed through the pelvic exam, checking to see if the cervix is dilating and the fetus descending into the pelvis.
Rationale 2: The fetal monitor will provide information on how the baby is tolerating labor, but it does not prevent complications such as meconium aspiration syndrome.
Rationale 3: This is the reason fetal monitoring is used.
Rationale 4: Oxygen is an appropriate intervention for late decelerations, but no information is given about the fetal heart rate. Fetal monitoring provides information on the status of the fetus, and it is a necessary assessment when the amniotic fluid is meconium-stained.