A patient's amniotic fluid is meconium-stained. What action should the nurse plan to take?

When a patient's amniotic fluid is meconium-stained, having a suction catheter available for use at delivery is crucial. This is because the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid can increase the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome in the newborn, a condition where the baby inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs during or after delivery.

By having a suction catheter ready, the healthcare team can promptly clear the airway of the newborn if necessary, helping to prevent or mitigate any respiratory complications. This proactive measure is part of standard neonatal resuscitation protocols when meconium is present to ensure that the newborn can breathe freely and receive adequate oxygenation immediately after birth.

Monitoring the fetal heart rate continuously is also important in this situation, as it can provide information about the baby's well-being, but does not directly address the potential complications associated with meconium-stained fluid. Administering oxygen during delivery may be beneficial in some cases, but it is not specifically indicated for meconium-stained amniotic fluid unless the baby is showing signs of distress. Lastly, preparing for an immediate cesarean delivery may only be warranted in specific situations where there are other concerning factors,