A nurse is preparing to administer vitamin K IM to a newborn. Into which of the following muscles should the nurse inject the medication?

The correct answer is choice C. Assist the client to breathe into a paper bag.

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the client to maintain a breathing rate no less than twice the normal rate is not appropriate. This could exacerbate hyperventilation, leading to further lightheadedness and tingling.

Choice B rationale:

Administering oxygen via nasal cannula is not necessary in this situation. The symptoms are due to hyperventilation, not a lack of oxygen.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client to breathe into a paper bag helps to rebreathe carbon dioxide, which can correct the respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation. This will alleviate the symptoms of lightheadedness and tingling.

Choice D rationale:

Having the client tuck her chin to her chest is not a recognized intervention for hyperventilation. It would not address the underlying issue of respiratory alkalosis.

Choice A rationale:

Helping the client to the bathroom to empty her bladder is not the appropriate response in this situation. The client's sudden urge to push indicates that she is in the second stage of labour, which is the pushing phase. The cervix is already dilated at 7 cm, and the fetus is at 1+ station, indicating that delivery is imminent. Emptying the bladder at this point is not a priority and may delay necessary actions.

Choice B rationale:

Assisting the client into a comfortable position is also not the appropriate response. The client's urge to push suggests that she is in the active stage of labor, and her cervix is already 7 cm dilated. Encouraging a comfortable position might not be suitable since the focus should be on monitoring the progress of labor and preparing for delivery.

Choice C rationale:

Having the client pant during the next few contractions is not the correct response either. Panting is typically recommended during the transition phase of labor to prevent rapid pushing and potential damage to the perineum. However, in this scenario, the client is already fully dilated, and the fetus is at 1+ station, indicating that the second stage of labour has commenced. Panting is not necessary at this point.

Choice D rationale:

The appropriate nursing response is to assess the perineum for signs of crowning. The sudden urge to push indicates that the baby is descending through the birth canal and may be close to crowning, which is when the baby's head becomes visible at the vaginal opening. By assessing for crowning, the nurse can determine if delivery is imminent and notify the healthcare provider for further actions and preparation for the baby's birth.