A woman in labor has just received an epidural block.

The most important nursing intervention is to:

Choice A rationale
Indoor cats can carry Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Exposure to cat feces increases the risk of infection, which can cross the placenta and harm the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Outdoor dogs do not pose a significant risk for toxoplasmosis as the disease is primarily associated with cat feces. The primary concern is soil contamination from infected cats.
Choice C rationale
Pet turtles do not carry Toxoplasma gondii. The primary zoonotic concern with turtles is Salmonella, not toxoplasmosis, which does not affect pregnancy in the same way.
Choice D rationale
Horses are not carriers of Toxoplasma gondii. They are not a source of infection for toxoplasmosis, and there is no increased risk associated with having a horse during pregnancy.

Choice A rationale
The tocodynamometer detects both the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions by measuring the pressure changes on the abdomen. It provides real-time data on contraction patterns during labor.
Choice B rationale
Repeating the frequency and intensity of contractions is redundant. The tocodynamometer accurately measures these parameters, providing essential information for managing labor progress.
Choice C rationale
While the tocodynamometer can infer uterine resting tone, it is not designed to measure hypertonus directly. Other methods, like intrauterine pressure catheters, offer more accurate assessments of uterine tone.
Choice D rationale
The tocodynamometer measures the duration of contractions, but it does not solely focus on this parameter. It captures comprehensive data, including frequency and intensity, for effective labor management.