What position should the nurse place a laboring client in when fetal bradycardia suggests umbilical cord compression?

When fetal bradycardia indicates potential umbilical cord compression, positioning the laboring client with the hips elevated is beneficial. This position helps alleviate pressure on the umbilical cord, facilitating better blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Elevating the hips can help change the pressure distribution in the abdomen, which may relieve the compression caused by the presenting part of the fetus against the cord.

In contrast, the supine position can exacerbate cord compression due to the weight of the uterus and the potential for reduced blood flow to the placenta. Sitting upright may not provide adequate relief from cord compression since it does not specifically target alleviating the pressure on the cord. Instead, lying on the right side promotes optimal blood flow and can also reduce pressure. However, elevating the hips adds an extra layer of support to relieve compression and promote better fetal well-being.