A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is in labor about why epidural anesthesia is not initiated until a good labor pattern has been established. Which of the following explanations should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should report the blood pressure findings to the provider because there is a significant increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. At 0900, the blood pressure was 156/90 mm Hg, and at 1000, it increased to 160/96 mm Hg. This significant elevation in blood pressure can be a cause for concern as it may indicate the development of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which can be dangerous for both the client and the fetus.

Choice B rationale:

Cerebral manifestations are not mentioned in the nurse's notes or vital signs and are not relevant to the given scenario. Therefore, this choice is not applicable in this case.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should report the fetal heart rate findings to the provider because it is not included in the vital signs section of the nurse's notes. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is essential to ensure the well-being of the fetus, and any abnormalities or changes in the fetal heart rate should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should report the respiratory rate findings to the provider. Although the respiratory rate seems to be within the normal range (22/min at 0900 and 21/min at 1000), it is a vital sign that should be closely monitored in pregnant clients. Any sudden changes or abnormalities in the respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress or other health issues that need medical attention. Choices E and F rationale: Deep tendon reflexes and gastrointestinal assessment findings are not mentioned in the nurse's notes or vital signs. These options are not applicable in this scenario and do not require reporting to the provider.

Choice A rationale:

The priority nursing action after an amniotomy is to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. While evaluating the client for signs of infection is important, it is not the immediate priority. Infection can be a concern after any invasive procedure, but checking the fetal heart rate pattern takes precedence to assess the baby's condition immediately after the amniotomy.

Choice B rationale:

Checking the fetal heart rate pattern is the priority because it helps to monitor the baby's well-being and detect any signs of fetal distress. Amniotomy is the artificial rupture of the amniotic membrane, and it can sometimes lead to changes in the baby's heart rate, which may indicate distress or other complications. Identifying and addressing these changes

promptly is crucial for the baby's safety.

Choice C rationale:

Observing the color and consistency of amniotic fluid is essential to assess for any abnormalities or meconium staining, which could indicate fetal distress or potential issues. However, this action should follow the immediate concern of checking the fetal heart rate pattern since fetal distress takes priority over amniotic fluid characteristics.

Choice D rationale:

Taking the client's temperature is important, but it is not the priority immediately after an amniotomy. Monitoring the client's temperature is a routine nursing action to detect any signs of infection. However, the priority in this situation is to ensure the baby's well-being through fetal heart rate assessment.