What should the nurse's priority action be if the fetal heart rate is 174 beats/minute at 38 weeks' gestation?

When the fetal heart rate is recorded at 174 beats per minute at 38 weeks' gestation, it indicates that the fetus is experiencing tachycardia. In this context, the normal baseline fetal heart rate typically ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute. A rate of 174 beats per minute is significantly above the normal range and can suggest potential distress or underlying issues requiring immediate attention.

Prioritizing the action of notifying the health care provider is essential in this scenario. This prompt communication allows for further evaluation and intervention, such as monitoring additional fetal heart rate patterns, assessing maternal vital signs, or performing ultrasound examinations to determine fetal well-being. This proactive step is critical to ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus, as it enables timely medical decision-making in response to potential complications.

While monitoring the mother, encouraging relaxation techniques, and assessing fetal movements can be important aspects of prenatal care, they do not address the immediate concern posed by the elevated fetal heart rate. These actions would be more appropriate after the healthcare provider has been notified and further assessments or interventions are determined.