In a situation where a laboring client shows recurrent variable decelerations, what is the first action the nurse should take?

Recurrent variable decelerations in a laboring client typically indicate fetal distress due to umbilical cord compression. The priority in this situation is to improve fetal perfusion by alleviating pressure on the umbilical cord. Placing the client in a left lateral position is effective because this position can help relieve compression on the cord and improve blood flow to the fetus.

In labor management, maternal positioning is often one of the first interventions to employ when there are concerns about fetal heart rate patterns. The left lateral position can enhance oxygen delivery to the fetus and support better uterine perfusion, which can mitigate the effects of cord compression.

While the other options might also be considered as part of the overall management of variable decelerations, they are not the immediate priority. For instance, administering oxygen can be beneficial if there are concerns about fetal oxygenation, and preparing for amnioinfusion is a valid option for resolving cord compression when indicated, but these interventions would typically follow the initial step of positioning the mother. Discontinuing oxytocin may be warranted if uterine hyperstimulation is contributing to the fetal distress, but repositioning the mother is an immediate action that can be quickly executed to address the decelerations effectively.