An induction with oxytocin shows fetal heart rate accelerations lasting 15 seconds and exceeding baseline with fetal movement. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Start fetal scalp monitoring
• B. Document fetal well-being.
• C. Administer tocolytic
• D. Stop oxytocin and prepare for delivery

Answer: (B)

Interpreting fetal heart rate patterns during labor focuses on whether accelerations indicate that the fetus is well oxygenated and reacting normally. An acceleration is a temporary rise in the fetal heart rate above the baseline, typically occurring with fetal movement, and it reflects a healthy autonomic response and adequate oxygenation. When accelerations last about 15 seconds and occur with movement, this is a reassuring sign, especially during induction with oxytocin, suggesting the fetus is tolerating labor well.

Therefore, the appropriate action is to document fetal well-being and continue routine monitoring, since no intervention is needed beyond ongoing surveillance. Starting fetal scalp monitoring would be unnecessary given the reassuring trace. Administering a tocolytic would be reserved for situations of tachysystole or nonreassuring patterns, not for reassuring accelerations. Stopping oxytocin and preparing for delivery would be indicated only if the pattern became nonreassuring, such as with late or certain persistent decelerations or signs of fetal distress.