A nurse in the emergency department is admitting a client who is experiencing an especially rapid labor (precipitous labor). She is at 40 weeks of gestation, has ruptured membranes, and the nurse observes the newborn's head crowning. The client tells the nurse she feels a strong urge to push. Which of the following instructions should the nurse make to help the mother have a more controlled birth?

A. Incorrect. Weightbearing exercises should be avoided or limited during pregnancy, as they can increase the risk of injury, joint pain, and fatigue.
B. Correct. Moderate exercise can improve circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent varicose veins during pregnancy.
C. Incorrect. Resting for 30 minutes before each new exercise is not necessary and may reduce the benefits of physical activity.
D. Incorrect. Stretching exercises can help prevent muscle cramps, improve flexibility, and reduce back pain during pregnancy.

Choice A: Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty bladder at all times.

Routinely inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not necessary for maintaining an empty bladder during labor. While it is important to ensure the client has a voiding schedule, the use of an indwelling catheter should be reserved for specific medical indications, such as when the client is unable to void or has received an epidural. Indwelling catheters can increase the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and should be used judiciously.

Choice B: Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest.

Keeping all four side rails up and maintaining strict bedrest is not appropriate during active labor. This practice can limit the client’s movement, which is essential for comfort and progress during labor. Movement and changing positions can help labor progress and reduce pain. Strict bedrest is generally reserved for specific medical conditions, such as preterm labor or other complications.

Choice C: Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor.

Monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) is crucial during labor to assess the well-being of the fetus. However, hourly monitoring may not be sufficient. Guidelines recommend more frequent monitoring, typically every 15-30 minutes during the active phase of labor and every 5-15 minutes during the second stage. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring may be used for high-risk pregnancies or if there are signs of fetal distress.

Choice D: Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.

Checking the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration is important. This practice helps ensure that analgesics are administered at an appropriate time, avoiding potential complications such as delayed delivery or inadequate pain relief. Cervical checks provide valuable information about the progress of labor and help guide clinical decisions regarding pain management and delivery planning.