A nurse is assisting with the delivery of a newborn when the head is delivered, but the shoulders become stuck behind the maternal pubic bone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action?

A. Pull the baby out forcefully by the head with forceps is incorrect because forceful traction can cause severe injury to the baby, including brachial plexus injury, clavicle fracture, or intracranial hemorrhage. This is not recommended for shoulder dystocia. B. Apply gentle upward traction on the baby's head is incorrect because while gentle traction is part of standard delivery, upward traction alone is usually insufficient to resolve shoulder dystocia and may risk injury if used improperly. C. Wait for the mother to push the shoulders out naturally is incorrect because shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency. Delaying intervention can lead to hypoxia, birth asphyxia, or fetal injury, so immediate maneuvers are required. D. Place the mother in McRoberts maneuver position and apply suprapubic pressure is correct. The McRoberts maneuver involves flexing the mother’s hips tightly toward her abdomen, which flattens the sacral promontory and increases the pelvic diameter. Simultaneously, suprapubic pressure helps dislodge the impacted anterior shoulder. This is the first-line, evidence-based intervention for shoulder dystocia and reduces the risk of fetal and maternal complications.