What intervention is associated with managing late decelerations?

Changing the patient to a side-lying position is the most effective intervention for managing late decelerations during labor. Late decelerations typically indicate fetal hypoxia due to decreased uteroplacental blood flow, often caused by pressure on the umbilical cord or compromised placental perfusion.

By positioning the patient on her side, blood flow to the placenta is improved, which can alleviate the factors causing the late decelerations. This position also helps reduce compression on the inferior vena cava, increasing venous return to the heart and ultimately enhancing fetal oxygenation.

While providing oxygen to the fetus and other interventions may be beneficial, positioning the patient is the fundamental and most direct method to address the underlying issue of decreased blood flow during late decelerations. Therefore, the side-lying position is a primary nursing action in this scenario.