A client is in labor and actively pushing.
The nurse observes decelerations in the fetal heart rate and the fetal head is at the vaginal station.



What condition is the client most likely experiencing, what are 2 actions the nurse should take to address that
condition, and what are 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress?

Choice A rationale:

Amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault may indicate that the client's membranes have ruptured, but it does not necessarily mean

that labor has begun. Some women experience rupture of membranes before labor starts, while others do not experience it

until labor is well underway.

Additionally, it is not always possible to visually confirm the presence of amniotic fluid, as it may be mixed with other fluids or

present in small amounts.

Therefore, the presence of amniotic fluid alone is not a definitive sign of labor.

Choice B rationale:

Contractions are a common sign of labor, but they can also occur for other reasons, such as Braxton Hicks contractions or a

urinary tract infection.

To be considered a sign of true labor, contractions should be regular, becoming progressively stronger, longer, and closer

together.

A frequency of every 3 to 4 minutes is often suggestive of labor, but it is not always definitive.

Some women may experience contractions that are less frequent or more irregular and still be in labor.

Choice C rationale:

Cervical dilation is the most reliable sign of labor.

During labor, the cervix gradually opens to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.

Cervical dilation is typically measured in centimeters, with 10 centimeters being considered full dilation.

Once the cervix has dilated to 3-4 centimeters, it is generally considered to be active labor.

This is because dilation of this degree usually indicates that the contractions are strong enough to effectively move the baby

through the birth canal.

Choice D rationale:

Pain just above the navel, also known as suprapubic pain, can be a sign of labor, but it is not a definitive one.

This type of pain can also be caused by other factors, such as bladder fullness or indigestion.

Additionally, not all women experience pain in this area during labor.

Choice A rationale:

Assisting the client to ambulate is not the immediate action required in this scenario. The nurse has found a small amount of

lochia rubra on the client’s perineal pad, and the fundus is midline and firm at the umbilicus. These are normal findings for a

client who is 4 hours postpartum. However, the nurse should ensure that there is no excessive bleeding, which could be a sign

of postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice B rationale:

Performing a fundal massage is not necessary in this case. Fundal massage is usually performed when the uterus is boggy or

soft, which could indicate uterine atony, a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. In this scenario, the fundus is firm and at

the level of the umbilicus, which is a normal finding 4 hours postpartum.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing the rate of IV fluids is not the immediate action required in this scenario. IV fluids are usually increased to expand

intravascular volume in cases of postpartum hemorrhage. In this case, the nurse has found a small amount of lochia rubra on

the client’s perineal pad, which is a normal finding 4 hours postpartum.

Choice D rationale:

Checking for blood under the client’s buttocks is the correct action for the nurse to take in this scenario. This is to ensure that

there is no excessive bleeding, which could be hidden under the client’s buttocks. Excessive bleeding could be a sign of

postpartum hemorrhage, a potentially life-threatening complication.