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?

The correct answer is choice D. Uterine contraction lasting 2 min.

Choice A rationale:

Early decelerations in the FHR are usually not a concern during the second stage of labor. They are a normal physiological response to the compression of the fetal head during contractions and are generally considered benign.

Choice B rationale:

Pelvic pressure with contractions is a normal finding during the second stage of labor as the baby descends into the pelvis. It does not typically require reporting to the provider unless it is associated with other concerning symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

A bloody show from the vagina is a common and expected finding during the second stage of labor. It indicates that the cervix is dilating and effacing, which is a normal part of the labor process.

Choice D rationale:

A uterine contraction lasting 2 minutes is abnormal and could indicate uterine tachysystole, which can lead to fetal distress due to reduced uterine blood flow and oxygen to the fetus. This finding should be reported to the provider immediately.

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect because Rho(D) immune globulin does not destroy Rh antibodies in a newborn who is Rh-positive. Instead, it acts to prevent the development of Rh antibodies in the mother.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is also incorrect. Rho(D) immune globulin does not destroy Rh antibodies in a woman who is Rh-negative. It is given to Rh-negative women to prevent them from forming Rh antibodies in response to Rh-positive fetal blood during pregnancy.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Rho(D) immune globulin is given to Rh-negative women to prevent the formation of Rh antibodies. If an Rh-negative woman is exposed to Rh-positive blood (usually during childbirth), her immune system may recognize the Rh antigen as foreign and start producing Rh antibodies. These antibodies could potentially cross the placenta during a subsequent pregnancy and attack the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus, causing hemolytic disease in the newborn. Rho(D) immune globulin helps prevent this sensitization process.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Rho(D) immune globulin does not prevent the formation of Rh antibodies in a newborn who is Rh-positive. Its main purpose is to protect Rh-negative women from forming antibodies that could harm future Rh-positive pregnancies.