A nurse is discussing probable signs of pregnancy with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following terms should the nurse use to describe the movement of the fetus felt by the provider after placing upward pressure on the cervix?

A) Ask the client to empty their bladder:
One of the first actions the nurse should take when the uterus is not firm (often referred to as uterine atony) is to ask the client to empty their bladder. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and cause the uterus to be boggy or soft, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Encouraging the client to void may help the uterus contract more effectively and reduce the risk of complications.

B) Perform fundal massage:
If the uterus is not firm, performing a fundal massage is essential. Fundal massage helps stimulate uterine contractions and helps the uterus contract to its normal size, reducing the risk of bleeding. It is a critical intervention in postpartum care to ensure that the uterus remains firm and does not become atonic, which can cause excessive blood loss.

C) Nothing, this is an expected finding:
A soft uterus (uterine atony) is not an expected finding 4 hours postpartum. A firm uterus is expected at this point to prevent hemorrhage. The nurse should take immediate action to address the issue of uterine atony, as failure to do so can lead to significant postpartum hemorrhage, a life-threatening complication.

D) Ambulate the client in the hallway:
Ambulation may be helpful later in the postpartum period to encourage circulation and prevent thromboembolism, but it is not a priority when the uterus is not firm. The first priority is to address uterine atony, and actions like emptying the bladder and massaging the fundus should be performed before ambulating the client.

E) Give pain medications:
While pain management is important, it is not the priority intervention when the uterus is not firm. The nurse must first address the cause of uterine atony (such as bladder distention) and stimulate uterine contractions via fundal massage to ensure that the uterus is firm and the client is not at risk for excessive bleeding. Pain medications can be given once the immediate uterine concerns have been addressed.

A) Change client position every 30 minutes:
Changing positions regularly during the second stage of labor can help facilitate fetal descent and improve the effectiveness of contractions. This strategy also helps relieve pressure on certain areas of the body, such as the perineum and lower back, promoting more effective pushing and reducing the need for assisted delivery. Frequent position changes can help the mother progress in labor without the need for tools or interventions.

B) Upright positions:
Upright positions, such as standing, squatting, or kneeling, can be beneficial in the second stage of labor. These positions allow gravity to assist in the descent of the baby, which can help avoid the need for forceps or vacuum extraction. Upright positions also tend to open up the pelvis and can result in more effective pushing, reducing the likelihood of an assisted vaginal delivery.

C) Supine positions:
Supine positions (lying on the back) are not recommended for avoiding an assisted vaginal birth. Lying on the back can hinder fetal descent and may also lead to increased pressure on the inferior vena cava, which can decrease blood flow and oxygen to the uterus. This position tends to slow down labor and may increase the need for interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction, making it less favorable for a spontaneous vaginal delivery.

D) Lateral positions:
Lateral positions (lying on one side) can also help in the second stage of labor. This position can improve uterine blood flow, relieve pressure on the perineum, and provide more room for the baby to descend. It is a good alternative to supine positions and can aid in achieving a vaginal birth without assistance.

E) Delayed pushing:
Delayed pushing can be helpful for some clients, especially if they are not fully dilated or if they need time to rest. However, delayed pushing is not directly related to preventing an assisted vaginal birth. In fact, if the mother waits too long to push or doesn't push effectively, it could potentially lead to more complications or require assisted interventions. The key is ensuring that pushing is done effectively and at the right time in the second stage, rather than delaying it unnecessarily.