In the case of a breech presentation, what immediate action should be taken?

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In the scenario of a breech presentation, transporting the patient in a knee-chest position is an appropriate immediate action. This position helps to alleviate pressure on the umbilical cord and can potentially reduce the risk of cord prolapse, which can compromise blood flow to the fetus. By placing the mother in this position, the hope is to encourage the fetus to turn or at least minimize complications until medical help can be reached.

This action is also important because breech deliveries can lead to complications such as trauma during the delivery process, and managing the situation carefully is critical. The knee-chest position allows gravity to assist while also reducing pressure on the maternal abdomen, which can be beneficial.

The other options do not align with the best practices for managing breech presentations. For instance, encouraging the mother to push may not be advisable until appropriate medical assistance is present, as it can complicate the delivery if the fetus is not in an optimal position. Avoiding transport until the baby is delivered can lead to dangerous outcomes, as it may not be possible to safely deliver the baby outside of a medical facility. Finally, establishing airway management for the infant is essential but should be done after the baby is delivered rather than as an immediate action during transport.

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