A nurse is preparing to administer dinoprostone gel to a client who is pregnant. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of the medication. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice D reason:
Placing the client in a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position is the first action the nurse should take, as it can relieve pressure on the cord and prevent compression and fetal hypoxia. The nurse should also use a sterile gloved hand to hold the presenting part off the cord.

Choice A reason:
Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean birth is an important action, as it can facilitate prompt delivery and prevent fetal compromise. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of cord prolapse.

Choice B reason:
Covering the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing is an important action, as it can prevent drying and infection of the cord. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of cord compression.

Choice C reason:
Explaining to the client what is happening is an important action, as it can provide emotional support and education for the client. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of cord prolapse.

Choice A reason: Amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault indicates that the membranes have ruptured, but this does not necessarily mean that the client is in labor. Some women may have a slow leak of amniotic fluid for hours or days before labor begins. Rupture of membranes also increases the risk of infection, so the nurse should monitor the client's temperature and fetal heart rate.

Choice B reason: Contractions every 3 to 4 minutes are a sign of labor, but they are not enough to confirm it. The nurse should also assess the duration and intensity of the contractions, as well as the client's response to them. Some women may have false labor contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular, mild, and do not cause cervical changes.

Choice C reason: Pain just above the navel is not a typical sign of labor. It may indicate other problems, such as placental abruption, uterine rupture, or fetal distress. The nurse should report this finding to the nurse midwife and check for other signs of bleeding, shock, or fetal compromise.

Choice D reason: Cervical dilation is the most reliable indicator of labor. It means that the cervix is opening and thinning out to allow the passage of the fetus. The nurse should measure the cervical dilation in centimeters and document it along with the station and effacement of the cervix.