The central nervous system

All labor and delivery team members must be able to recognize the signs of a prolapsed cord and initiate appropriate emergency interventions to relieve pressure on the cord until emergency delivery, usually, a cesarean delivery, can be accomplished.

Prolonged cord compression (occlusion of blood flow to and from the fetus for longer than 5 minutes) leads to fetal hypoxia, usually resulting in the central nervous system (CNS) damage or fetal death.

List 6 steps you would take to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord.

Please include the following steps

1. Perform hand hygiene before patient contact.
2. Introduce yourself to the mother and support person.
3. Verify the correct patient using two identifiers
4. Assess the presentation, position, and station of the fetus.
5. Determine if factors that increase the risk of a prolapsed umbilical cord are present.
6. Ensure that adult and neonatal resuscitation equipment is readily available.
7. Ensure that supplies and equipment are available and prepare for an emergency cesarean delivery.
8. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves

10.