A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and has just been examined as being at 7 cm of cervical dilation and 100% effacement. The fetus is at 1+ station, and the client's amniotic membranes are intact. The client suddenly states that she needs to push. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
"Assist the client into a more comfortable position."
"Observe the perineum for signs of crowning."
"Have the client pant or blow during the next contractions to help her refrain from pushing."
"Help the client to the bathroom to empty her bladder."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: At 7 cm dilation, the client is in active labor, and assisting her into a more comfortable position may not be appropriate at this stage. It is essential to observe for signs of impending birth and assess the progress of labor.
Choice B: Feeling the urge to push may indicate that the baby is descending and the cervix is fully dilated. The nurse should immediately observe the perineum for signs of crowning (when the baby's head starts to appear at the vaginal opening) to prepare for delivery.
Choice C: If the client is feeling the urge to push and the cervix is fully dilated, panting or blowing through contractions will not be effective. It is important to allow the client to follow her body's natural urges to push.
Choice D: While emptying the bladder is generally recommended during labor to provide more room for the baby to descend, the client's current urge to push suggests that the baby is likely in a lower position, and it might not be safe or feasible to move the client to the bathroom.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fetal position is persistent occiput posterior: The occiput posterior position (the back of
the baby's head facing the mother's back) can lead to a more challenging and prolonged labor with intense back pain.
B. Fetal attitude is in general flexion: Flexion is the normal fetal attitude for birth and does not contribute to a difficult labor with backache.
C. Fetal lie is longitudinal: Longitudinal lie refers to the baby's position along the mother's spine, but it doesn't specify the position of the baby's back, so it is not directly related to backache.
D. Maternal pelvis is gynecoid: Gynecoid pelvis is the most favorable pelvis shape for childbirth, so it is not likely to cause difficult labor with severe backache.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Reposition the client with one hip elevated or on her left side: This is the correct first priority action. The client's vital signs indicate hypotension (low blood pressure), which may be caused by supine hypotensive syndrome. This condition occurs when the pregnant uterus compresses the vena cava, reducing blood return to the heart and causing a drop in blood pressure. Repositioning the client on her left side or elevating one hip can relieve the pressure on the vena cava and
improve blood flow to both the mother and the baby.
B) Notify the provider of the findings: While it is essential to inform the provider about the client's status, the first priority is to address the potential cause of hypotension and maternal discomfort.
C) Ask the client if she needs pain medication: Pain management is essential, but the client's vital signs and potential hypotensive condition take precedence as the first priority.
D) Have the client empty her bladder: Emptying the bladder can help reduce pressure on the vena cava and may improve blood flow, but it is not the first priority action in this situation. Repositioning the client is the initial priority to relieve supine hypotensive syndrome.
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