A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor with 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 comfortable position.
Observe the perineum for signs of crowning.
Have the client pant during the next contractions.
Help the client to the bathroom to void.
None
None
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
While positioning is important for comfort during labor, addressing the immediate urge to push takes priority. Panting during contractions is the appropriate action.
Choice B reason:
Although observing for crowning is important when the client is close to delivery, the nurse should first intervene to address the client's urge to push since the client is only 7 cm dilated.
Choice C reason:
When a laboring client feels the urge to push but is not yet fully dilated (10 cm), encouraging her to pant can help reduce the urge to push and avoid complications, such as cervical swelling or tearing. This breathing technique helps the client delay pushing until full dilation and readiness of the cervix.
Choice D reason:
Assisting the client to the bathroom would not be appropriate at this stage of labor because the urge to push could lead to unsafe delivery outside the appropriate setting, and movement could increase discomfort or risks.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is the best response because it shows that the nurse is providing nonpharmacological pain relief measures and supporting the client's coping mechanisms. Breathing and imagery techniques can help the client relax and focus on something other than the pain. Moaning, screaming, and vocalizing are normal and acceptable ways of expressing pain during labor, and the nurse should not try to suppress them.
Choice B reason:
This is not the best response because it does not address the husband's concern or offer any intervention for the client's pain. Asking the client to rate her pain on a scale of 0 to 10 is a subjective assessment tool that may not reflect the true intensity of her pain. Furthermore, it may be difficult for the client to answer this question while she is in the second stage of labor.
Choice C reason:
This is not the best response because it may not be feasible or appropriate to administer more pain medication to the client in the second stage of labor. The obstetrician may not be available to evaluate the client's pain, and increasing the dose of pain medication may have adverse effects on the client and the fetus, such as respiratory depression, hypotension, and decreased uterine contractility.
Choice D reason:
This is not the best response because it does not acknowledge the husband's feelings or provide any comfort or education for him. Reassuring him that his wife will be fine may sound dismissive and insensitive, and offering to stay with her while he takes a walk may imply that he is not needed or wanted in the birthing room. The nurse should involve the husband in the care of his wife and explain to him what is happening and what to expect during labor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing a covering on the scale tray when weighing an infant helps to ensure that conductive heat loss from the infant is minimal. Newborns and infants are especially vulnerable to temperature changes, and maintaining their body temperature is crucial for their well-being. By placing a covering, such as a soft cloth or blanket, on the scale tray, the nurse creates a barrier between the infant's skin and the cold surface of the scale. This reduces the risk of heat loss from direct contact with the scale, helping to keep the baby comfortable and preventing any potential adverse effects from exposure to low temperatures during the weighing process.
Choice B reason:
Choice B, compensating for the negative weight balance to ensure the correct weight, is not the primary reason for using a covering on the scale tray. The negative weight balance, if any, would be minimal and not significant enough to affect the accuracy of the infant's weight measurement. The main concern when using a scale for weighing infants is to ensure their comfort and safety during the process.
Choice C reason:
Choice C, avoiding causing multiple startle (Moro) reflexes when weighing, is not the main reason for using a covering on the scale tray. The Moro reflex is a normal startle response in infants and is not typically affected by whether or not a covering is placed on the scale tray.
The nurse can support the infant appropriately during weighing to minimize any startle reflexes, regardless of whether a covering is used.
Choice D reason:
Choice D, avoiding contaminating the nurse's hands with blood or other body substances, is not directly related to using a covering on the scale tray. The primary purpose of using a covering is to minimize heat loss, as explained in Choice A. However, it is standard practice for healthcare professionals to wear gloves when handling blood or body substances to prevent any potential transmission of infections, ensuring both the nurse's and the infant's safety.
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