Sue, is a 26-year-old single white female pregnant with her first child at 41 weeks gestation. She was admitted three hours ago at 100% effacement and 3 cm dilated. The baby is at -2 station. Her membranes are intact.
At 11:50, while walking around in her room Sue's membranes rupture. The fluid is dark greenish in color with particles in it. It also has a foul odor. When checking the fetal heart rate variable decelerations are noted. Describe the nursing actions that are appropriate at this time and give the rationales for each.