Question

During a vertex vaginal birth the nurse notes meconium-stained amniotic fluid. what is the priority nursing intervention for the newborn?

Answer 1

These occurs when fetal lose control over the sphincter and a hypoxia-related peristalsis. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid is an indication for careful fetal surveillance. The nurse should note the variable decelerations of the newborn and notify the physician whether meconium is present. This meconium-stained amniotic fluid are often suction before the first breath to reduce the severity of the condition. Moreover, amnio-infusion is an effective way in decreasing the variable fetal heart rate decelerations and fetal mortality. 

Answer 2

Green stained amniotic fluid means that the fetus has passed first stool before birth and it is an indicator of fetal compromise (fetal distress). The nurse should carefully document the presence of meconium-stained fluid at the time of rapture of the membrane. In addition the nurse should also note the occurrence of variable decelerations and immediately notify the physician regardless of whether the meconium is present.