A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor and is using patternpaced breathing. The client says she feels lightheaded, and her fingers are tingling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

"Assist the client in slowing her hyperventilation and breathe into a paper bag."

"Administer oxygen via nasal cannula while encouraging her to pant."

"Have the client tuck her chin to her chest."

"Instruct the client to increase her respiratory rate to more than 42 breaths per minute."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A: The client's symptoms of lightheadedness and tingling fingers indicate that she may be hyperventilating, which can occur when patternpaced breathing is too rapid. Breathing into a paper bag can help the client rebreathe some of the exhaled carbon dioxide, which can help correct the respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation.

Choice B: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula may not address the underlying issue of hyperventilation. It is more appropriate to assist the client in slowing down her breathing pattern.

Choice C: Tucking the chin to the chest is not relevant to the client's symptoms of hyperventilation.

Choice D: Instructing the client to increase her respiratory rate would exacerbate the hyperventilation, leading to more symptoms of respiratory alkalosis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A: Elevated temperature during labor may be common and is not the nurse's first priority, especially when the client is receiving epidural analgesia, as it can be related to the stress of labor or other factors.
B: Reduced sensation of the lower extremities is an expected effect of epidural analgesia, and it is not the nurse's first priority unless it leads to complications such as motor weakness or respiratory distress.
C: Generalized itching is a common side effect of epidural analgesia due to opioids, and it can be managed with interventions such as antihistamines. However, it is not the nurse's first priority unless it is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
D: Epidural analgesia can cause vasodilation and decrease the client's blood pressure, which can lead to hypotension. Hypotension can be detrimental to both the mother and the baby and requires immediate attention to prevent complications. Therefore, the nurse's first priority is to address the low blood pressure.

A. Contractions lasting 2 minutes and with no rest between contractions. B. Pressure on the perineum causing the client to have the desire to bear down. C. Discharge consisting of clear fluid from the vagina. D. Passage of a bloodtinged mucous plug.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: The first priority assessment finding to report to the provider is contractions lasting 2 minutes and with no rest between contractions. Prolonged contractions without adequate rest can lead to uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress, potentially compromising the wellbeing of both the client and the baby. The provider needs to be informed immediately for further

evaluation and intervention.

Choice B: Pressure on the perineum and the desire to bear down indicate that the client is experiencing the urge to push, which is expected during the second stage of labor, not during the active phase of the first stage. It is not the first priority to report.

Choice C: Clear fluid discharge from the vagina can indicate rupture of membranes, but it is not an immediate concern unless the fluid is meconiumstained or there are other signs of fetal distress.

Choice D: Passage of a bloodtinged mucous plug (also known as "bloody show") is a common sign that labor is approaching, but it is not an immediate concern unless there are other signs of labor progression or complications. It is not the first priority to report.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor and is using patternpaced breathing. The client says she feels lightheaded, and her fingers are tingling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving epidural analgesia during labor. Which of the following findings is the nurse's first priority?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

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