A fetal heart rate of 180 beats per minute before a scheduled cesarean delivery should lead to which action by the LPN?

In cases where a fetal heart rate is elevated, such as 180 beats per minute before a scheduled cesarean delivery, it indicates potential fetal distress or a response to various factors, including maternal conditions or fetal hypoxia. The appropriate action for the LPN is to contact the registered nurse. This is crucial since the registered nurse has the responsibility to assess the situation further and determine the necessary interventions or modifications to the planned procedure.

Getting the RN involved ensures that the situation is evaluated by a licensed professional with a broader scope of responsibility and authority regarding maternal-fetal health. This collaboration would include assessing the potential need for additional monitoring, potential interventions, or discussions with the healthcare team about the implications of the abnormal fetal heart rate on the surgery's timing and procedure.