A nurse is caring for a client in active labor.

Admission Assessment.

0200:. Gravida 1, Para 0 at 39 weeks gestation.

Presents with.

contractions occurring every 5 to 6 min, 45 to 60 seconds.

duration.

Cervical examination 4 cm dilated, 50% effaced.

Admit.

to the labor and delivery unit.

Nurses' Notes.

0200:. Admitted to the labor and delivery unit, and reports pain as 7 on a scale.

of O to 10 with contractions.

Cervix 4 cm dilated, 50% effaced,with membranes intact.

0230:. The client reports increasing discomfort with contractions.

Cervix 5. cm dilated, 60% effaced, with membranes intact.

Contractions.

occurring every 5 min, 45 to 60 seconds duration.

0300:. Epidural anesthesia was initiated.

Cervix 7 cm dilated, 70% effaced,. with membranes intact.

Contractions occur every 4 to 5 min,60 seconds duration.

Vital Signs.

0200:. Temperature 36.9° C (98.4° F). Heart rate 86/min.

Respiratory rate 18/min.

BP 118/78 mm Hg. 0230:. Temperature 37° C (98.6° F). Heart rate 88/min.

Respiratory rate 20/min.

BP 120/80 mm Hg. 0300:. Temperature 37.1° C (98.8° F). Heart rate 90/min.

Respiratory rate 18/min.

BP 122/76 mm Hg. The nurse is assuming care for the client at 0305.

For each nursing action, click to specify if the nursing action is essential. contraindicated for the client.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day is the correct choice for a client with a fever due to an infection. Adequate hydration is essential in managing fever as it helps to prevent dehydration, maintain electrolyte balance, and support the body's immune response. Increasing fluid intake, preferably water, can also aid in lowering body temperature and promoting overall comfort.

Choice B rationale:

Maintaining the environmental temperature at 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 65°F) is not an appropriate intervention for a client with a fever. While it's essential to keep the client comfortable, adjusting the room temperature within a specific range is not the primary intervention. Focus should be on managing the fever through hydration, antipyretic medications, and addressing the underlying infection.

Choice C rationale:

Immersing the client in cold water is not a recommended intervention for managing fever. Cold water immersion can lead to shock, vasoconstriction, and potentially worsen the condition. It is essential to use methods like tepid sponging or cooling blankets if necessary, but these interventions should be performed under healthcare provider guidance and monitoring.

Choice D rationale:

Assisting the client to ambulate is a general nursing care activity and does not specifically address the fever due to infection. While ambulation is encouraged for many patients to prevent complications related to immobility, it is not the primary intervention for managing fever. The focus should be on hydration and other appropriate measures to reduce fever.