Which nursing intervention is indicated for the second stage of labor?

Rationale: A. Monitoring effects of oxytocin administration to help achieve cervical dilation: This is appropriate during the first stage of labor. The second stage begins after full dilation, so oxytocin’s role in cervical change is no longer relevant at this point. B. Assessing the fetal heart rate and pattern for signs of fetal distress: FHR monitoring is important throughout labor, including the second stage, but it is not unique to this phase. It supports safe delivery but does not directly facilitate the main goal of this stage—fetal expulsion. C. Providing pain medication to increase the client's tolerance of labor pains: Pain management is crucial, but narcotics are typically avoided in the second stage due to potential neonatal respiratory depression. Also, this does not address the primary task of this stage. D. Assisting the client to push effectively so that expulsion of the fetus can be achieved: This is the hallmark intervention of the second stage of labor, where full dilation has occurred and the goal is delivery of the baby. Supporting effective pushing directly aids in achieving this outcome.