A nurse is assisting in evaluating a client's progress during labor.

Exhibits

Click to highlight the client findings that indicate the labor is progressing as expected. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

Nurses' Notes

1615:

Client is in the partial sitting position and is instructed to bear down during uterine contraction. Client reports the urge to defecate. There is increased bloody show and the cervix is 10 cm dilated. Contractions 5 min apart. Contractions strong on palpation.

Vital Signs

1615:

Temperature 39.1° C (102.4" F)

Respiratory rate 20/min

Heart rate 110/min

Blood pressure 100/74 mm Hg

Oxygen saturation 96%

A. Place a pulse oximeter on the client's finger. While assessing oxygen saturation is important, it is not the priority in this situation. The client is cyanotic with a respiratory rate of 8/min and shallow respirations, indicating severe respiratory compromise. Immediate intervention is needed before assessing oxygen saturation.
B. Administer oxygen to the client. Providing oxygen is appropriate, but it will not be effective if the client's airway is obstructed or if their respirations are inadequate. Oxygen delivery is only useful when there is a patent airway and effective ventilation.
C. Check the client's pulse rate. Assessing circulation is important, but the priority in this situation is ensuring an open airway to allow for adequate oxygenation. The client's respiratory status suggests that they may not be effectively exchanging oxygen, which must be addressed immediately.
D. Establish a patent airway for the client. The priority action is to ensure a patent airway, as compromised respirations can lead to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Airway management, such as repositioning the head, using airway adjuncts, or preparing for assisted ventilation, takes precedence over other interventions to ensure oxygen delivery.

A. Raises all four side-rails on the client's bed. Raising all four side-rails can create a risk for falls, as it may lead to a false sense of security and prevent the client from being able to exit the bed safely if needed. Additionally, it can increase the risk of entrapment or injury. The recommended practice is to keep two side-rails up while allowing for easy access and mobility for the client.
B. Locks the wheels on the client's bed. Locking the wheels on the client's bed is an appropriate action. This prevents the bed from rolling and helps ensure the client's safety, particularly when they are getting in and out of bed or during care activities.
C. Assists the client to the bathroom every 2 hr. Assisting the client to the bathroom every 2 hours is a reasonable intervention for a client at risk for falls, as it promotes regular toileting and prevents the need for urgent trips to the bathroom that could increase the risk of falling.
D. Clears furniture from the path leading to the bathroom. Clearing furniture from the path leading to the bathroom is a proactive safety measure. This reduces obstacles and hazards, promoting a safer environment for the client and minimizing the risk of falls during ambulation.