A nurse is caring for a client who is in the latent phase of labor and reports severe back pain. The vaginal examination reveals that the cervix is dilated 2 cm, 25% effaced, and -2 station.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Choice A rationale

The first step in inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, after gathering supplies and preparing the client, is to lubricate the tip. The application of a generous amount of water-soluble gel to the catheter tip reduces friction as it passes through the urethra. This is crucial for minimizing trauma to the urethral mucosa and decreasing client discomfort during insertion.

Choice B rationale

Positioning the sterile drape is a later step in the procedure, after the catheter has been prepared for insertion. The drape is used to create a sterile field and isolate the perineum. This helps prevent contamination of the sterile catheter and gloves from surrounding non-sterile areas, which is essential for maintaining sterility and preventing infection.

Choice C rationale

Cleansing the meatus with an antiseptic solution is a critical step, but it is performed after the catheter is lubricated and the sterile field is established. This action mechanically and chemically removes microorganisms from the perineal area, reducing the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract during catheter insertion.

Choice D rationale

Attaching a prefilled syringe to the inflation hub is done after the catheter is fully inserted into the bladder and urine flow is established. This step is necessary to inflate the balloon, which secures the catheter in place and prevents it from being expelled. Doing this prematurely could cause urethral damage. *.

Choice A rationale

Counterpressure is a nonpharmacologic pain management technique that involves applying firm, steady pressure to the sacral area during contractions. It is particularly effective for back pain during labor, which is often caused by the occiput of the fetus pressing against the maternal sacrum. This physical pressure helps to distract the brain from the pain signals and can help to realign the fetal head. It provides direct relief by counteracting the pressure from the fetus.

Choice B rationale

Terbutaline is a tocolytic medication that is used to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and inhibit contractions. Administering this medication would halt the progression of labor, which is not the goal in this situation. The client is in the latent phase of labor, and the primary goal is to manage the pain while allowing the labor process to continue naturally. Therefore, terbutaline is contraindicated as it would interfere with the normal course of labor.

Choice C rationale

A pudendal nerve block is a form of regional anesthesia that anesthetizes the pudendal nerve, providing pain relief to the perineum, vulva, and vagina. It is typically administered in the second stage of labor just before delivery or for an episiotomy repair, as it is not effective for the pain associated with uterine contractions. The client is in the latent phase of labor and experiencing back pain, so a pudendal block would not be an appropriate intervention at this time.

Choice D rationale

While a warm bath can be a useful comfort measure during labor, it is not the most effective intervention for severe back pain specifically caused by the fetal position. Counterpressure provides targeted, direct pressure to the source of the pain, offering more immediate and substantial relief. A warm bath may provide general relaxation and distraction, but it does not address the underlying mechanical cause of the pain as effectively as counterpressure.