A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who presents to a labor and delivery unit with rapidly progressing labor. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?

The correct answer is choice B: “You must be feeling very scared.” This response is an example of therapeutic communication, where the nurse acknowledges the client’s feelings and provides emotional support without making assumptions or giving false reassurances.

Choice A rationale: While it’s true that the presence of a neonatal unit equipped to handle emergencies is reassuring, this response does not address the client’s immediate emotional needs or fears. It’s important for the nurse to recognize and validate the client’s feelings rather than focusing solely on the facilities available.

Choice B rationale: This choice demonstrates empathy and understanding. It allows the client to express their feelings and concerns, which is a crucial aspect of providing emotional support during labor. By acknowledging the client’s potential fear, the nurse opens the door for further communication and support.

Choice C rationale: This response minimizes the client’s individual feelings by suggesting that everyone has the same worries. It can make the client feel that their concerns are not unique or taken seriously, which is not conducive to establishing trust or providing individualized care.

Choice D rationale: This choice provides false reassurance. At 32 weeks of gestation, while the prognosis for the baby is generally good, there are still risks associated with preterm birth. It’s important not to make definitive statements about outcomes that cannot be guaranteed.

Choice A rationale:

Preterm labor. Performing a pelvic examination in a client with placenta previa can potentially trigger uterine contractions, leading to preterm labor. Manipulating the cervix during the examination may stimulate the release of hormones that could initiate labor, putting both the mother and the baby at risk.

Choice B rationale:

Infection. While infection is a valid concern in any medical procedure, it is not the primary rationale for avoiding a pelvic examination in a client with placenta previa. The primary concern is the risk of severe bleeding caused by the disruption of the placenta's attachment to the uterine wall.

Choice C rationale:

Profound bleeding. The primary rationale to avoid a pelvic examination in a client with placenta previa is the risk of profound bleeding. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, and it is at risk of being damaged or detached during a pelvic exam. This can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage for both the mother and the baby.

Choice D rationale:

Rupture of the fetal membranes. While this complication is possible during a pelvic examination, it is not the primary rationale to avoid the procedure in a client with placenta previa. The main concern, as mentioned before, is the risk of severe bleeding that can occur due to placental disruption.