A patient in early labor is receiving oxytocin and begins to experience tachysystolic or tetanic contractions with variable fetal heart decelerations.
What should the nurse do next?

Choice A rationale

While pushing is a part of labor, reminding the woman to push three times with each contraction is not the primary focus of nursing care during the transitional phase of labor.

Choice B rationale

Assessing the strength of uterine contractions is important, but it is not the primary focus during the transitional phase of labor.

Choice C rationale

Re-evaluating the need for medication is not the primary focus during the transitional phase of labor for a client who anticipates an unmedicated delivery.

Choice D rationale

Assisting the woman to maintain control is the primary focus of nursing care during the transitional phase of labor. This includes providing supportive care and encouragement in dealing with transitional contractions.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Reviewing the pattern of the fetal heart rate is important but not the immediate first step when a client in active labor needs to use the restroom. The nurse should first assess the progress of labor.

Choice B rationale: Checking the client's bladder is necessary, especially if the bladder is full, as it can affect labor progress. However, the priority is to assess the cervix first to ensure the client is not in an advanced stage of labor before addressing bladder concerns.

Choice C rationale: Determining the dilation of the cervix is crucial. The need to use the restroom may indicate increased pressure from the presenting part of the fetus, suggesting rapid labor progression. This assessment will help determine if it is safe for the client to ambulate to the restroom or if other immediate actions are needed.

Choice D rationale: Testing the pH of the vaginal fluid can be part of assessing for the presence of amniotic fluid, but it is not the first step when a client in active labor expresses the need to use the restroom. Cervical assessment takes priority in this situation.