What is the primary focus of nursing care for a scheduled C-section before delivery?

The primary focus of nursing care for a scheduled C-section before delivery centers around monitoring fetal status and providing maternal reassurance. This is crucial because a C-section represents a significant surgical intervention, and ensuring the well-being of both the mother and fetus is paramount. Continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate patterns can help identify any distress that may require immediate medical intervention. Additionally, providing reassurance to the mother helps alleviate anxiety, as many women may feel apprehensive about the upcoming procedure.

The other aspects of care, while important, are usually secondary in this specific context. Assessing maternal blood pressure regularly is essential but typically occurs in conjunction with constant fetal monitoring rather than as the primary focus. Ensuring family presence can be comforting and is often facilitated during the process, yet it does not directly impact the immediate clinical focus. Starting antibiotics to prevent infection is a standard practice to reduce surgical risks, but it is a procedural step that does not take precedence over active monitoring of the fetus's well-being. Therefore, the emphasis on fetal status and maternal reassurance is what distinguishes the primary focus in nursing care for a scheduled C-section.