A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing preterm labor at 29 weeks of gestation and has a prescription for betamethasone. Which of the following statements should the nurse make about the indication for medication administration?

The correct answer is d.

A. Informing the client that the anesthetic effect will last for approximately 6 hours is not the nurse's responsibility. The anesthesia provider usually communicates this information to the client.

B. Administering a 500 mL bolus of 5% dextrose in water prior to induction is the correct action.

Although preloading with a 500–1,000 mL bolus of isotonic crystalloid (e.g., Lactated Ringer’s) is recommended to mitigate hypotension, dextrose‑containing solutions (like D5W) are not used for this preload.

C. Having the client stand at the bedside with her arms at her side is not necessary for the administration of epidural analgesia. The client is usually positioned sitting up or lying on her side during the procedure.

D. Before initiating epidural analgesia, you must establish a baseline fetal heart rate and uterine contraction pattern with at least 20–30 minutes of continuous EFM to ensure fetal well‑being and detect any decelerations or atypical patterns.

The correct answer is A. Slow-paced breathing

A. Slow-paced breathing is a nonpharmacological comfort measure that involves taking slow, deep breaths to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It can be an effective technique for managing pain during contractions.

B. Biofeedback involves the use of electronic monitoring to provide feedback about physiological processes, and it is not typically used as a primary nonpharmacological comfort measure for labor pain.

C. Self-hypnosis is a relaxation technique that involves guided imagery and focused concentration to promote relaxation and reduce pain. However, it may require some previous knowledge or practice, and in the context of this scenario, slow-paced breathing may be a more immediate and accessible option.

D. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. While acupuncture can be effective for pain management, it may not be readily available in all labor settings, and slow-paced breathing is a more universally applicable option.