A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings for three clients.
Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse expect for a client who has cirrhosis?

Choice A rationale:

"Apply fundal pressure during contractions." - Applying fundal pressure during contractions is not appropriate during the latent stage of labor. Fundal pressure is typically used during the second stage of labor (active pushing phase) to assist with fetal descent. Using it during the latent stage can be harmful.

Choice B rationale:

"Encourage the client to soak in a hot bath." - Soaking in a hot bath is generally not recommended during labor, especially without specific indications. It is essential to maintain the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Encouraging the client to change positions or use comfort measures like relaxation techniques would be more appropriate.

Choice C rationale:

"Instruct the client to change positions frequently." - This is the correct answer. During the latent stage of labor, encouraging the client to change positions frequently can help promote comfort and optimize fetal positioning. Changing positions can reduce discomfort, enhance uterine contractions, and facilitate the progression of labor.

Choice D rationale:

"Tell the client to push during contractions." - Pushing during contractions is typically reserved for the second stage of labor when the cervix is fully dilated. In the latent stage, the cervix is not fully dilated, and pushing prematurely can be harmful and delay labor progress. It is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines for each stage of labor.

Clamp chest tube when client ambulates. Contraindicated. Clamping the chest tube can cause a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition. The chest tube should be kept open and patent at all times, unless ordered by the provider for a specific reason. Report burning pain in chest to provider. Indicated.

Burning pain in the chest may indicate an infection, inflammation, or injury to the pleura or lung tissue. The provider should be notified of any changes in the client’s pain or discomfort.

Reinforce dressing around the tube as needed if it loosens. Indicated. The dressing around the chest tube should be kept dry and intact to prevent air leaks and infection. If the dressing becomes loose, wet, or soiled, it should be reinforced with sterile gauze and tape.

Strip the tubing twice daily to ensure patency. Contraindicated. Stripping or milking the tubing can cause increased negative pressure in the chest cavity, which can damage the lung tissue and impair gas exchange. The tubing should be assessed for kinks, clots, or obstructions, and gently tapped or repositioned if needed.

Maintain chest tube below the chest. Indicated. The chest tube should be kept below the level of the chest to facilitate drainage by gravity and prevent backflow of fluid into the pleural space.