A nurse is caring for a client who is at 41 weeks of gestation and has a positive contraction stress test. For which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse prepare the client?

The correct answer is A. "It sounds like you are feeling sad that things didn't go as planned."

A. This response reflects empathy and acknowledges the client's feelings without judgment. It validates the client's emotions and provides an opportunity for her to express her feelings further.

B. "Maybe next time you can have a vaginal delivery" is not an appropriate response as it assumes that the client will or should have another pregnancy and may have a vaginal delivery. It is more important to address the current emotions and experience.

C. "At least you know you have a healthy baby" dismisses the client's feelings of disappointment. While the health of the baby is important, it's essential to acknowledge and validate the client's emotional experience.

D. "You can resume sexual relations sooner than if you had delivered vaginally" is not relevant to the client's expressed disappointment about the mode of delivery. It may not be an appropriate or comforting statement given the context.

Choice A Reason:

Active is incorrect. The active phase of labor typically begins when the cervix is around 4 to 6 centimeters dilated. Given that the client's cervix is already dilated to 9 cm, she has progressed beyond the active phase.

Choice B Reason:

Transition is correct. The transition phase is the final part of the first stage of labor and occurs when the cervix is dilated from 8 to 10 centimeters. In this phase, contractions are typically strong, occurring every 2 to 3 minutes, and lasting 80 to 90 seconds. The sensation of increasing rectal pressure is common during the transition phase as the baby's head descends further into the birth canal. The advanced cervical dilation to 9 cm also indicates that the client is in the transition phase, preparing for the second stage of labor.

Choice C Reason:

Latent is incorrect. The latent phase is the early part of the first stage of labor, characterized by cervical dilation from 0 to 3 or 4 centimeters. The client's cervix is already dilated to 9 cm, indicating that she has progressed well beyond the latent phase.

Choice D Reason:

Descent is incorrect. The descent phase is generally associated with the second stage of labor, during which the baby moves through the birth canal. The information provided primarily relates to the first stage of labor, specifically the transition phase, as indicated by the cervical dilation of 9 cm.