A client in active labor shows a late deceleration in fetal patterns. What is the appropriate nursing action?

In the scenario of a client in active labor experiencing late decelerations in fetal heart rate patterns, administering oxygen via face mask is the appropriate nursing action. Late decelerations are indicative of fetal distress, typically due to uteroplacental insufficiency, where the fetus is not receiving adequate oxygen during contractions. By providing supplemental oxygen, the nurse aims to improve oxygenation to the fetus, helping to alleviate potential hypoxia and improving fetal well-being.

While increasing fluid intake can be beneficial in some circumstances, particularly if hypovolemia is present, it is not an immediate or direct response to late decelerations. Encouraging ambulation may assist in labor progression, but it is contraindicated during late decelerations as movement could potentially exacerbate the situation and stress the fetus further. Preparing for immediate delivery could be a consideration in certain severe cases of distress, but the immediate priority is to stabilize the fetal situation by ensuring sufficient oxygen delivery. Thus, administering oxygen serves as a crucial and immediate step in addressing the concern of late decelerations.