What is an essential part of nursing care for the laboring woman? ...

[cmoore54]

What is an essential part of nursing care for the laboring woman?
 
  a. Helping the woman manage the pain
  b. Eliminating the pain associated with labor
  c. Sharing personal experiences regarding labor and delivery to decrease her anxiety
  d. Feeling comfortable with the predictable nature of intrapartum care

Question 2

A primigravida at 39 weeks of gestation is observed for 2 hours in the intrapartum unit. The fetal heart rate has been normal.
 
  Contractions are 5 to 9 minutes apart, 20 to 30 seconds in duration, and of mild intensity. Cervical dilation is 1 to 2 cm and uneffaced (unchanged from admission). Membranes are intact. The nurse should expect the woman to be:
  a. Admitted and prepared for a cesarean birth.
  b. Admitted for extended observation.
  c. Discharged home with a sedative.
  d. Discharged home to await the onset of true labor.

[l.stuut]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Helping a woman manage the pain is an essential part of nursing care because pain is an expected part of normal labor and cannot be fully relieved. Decreasing anxiety is important; however, managing pain is a top priority. The labor nurse should consistently deliver care based on the standard of care related to the maternity patient. Because of the unpredictable nature of labor, the nurse should always be alert for unanticipated events.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
This situation describes a woman with normal assessments who is probably in false labor and will likely not deliver rapidly once true labor begins. There is no indication that further assessments or observations are indicated; therefore, the patient will be discharged along with instructions to return when contractions increase in intensity and frequency. Neither a cesarean birth nor a sedative is required at this time.

[cmoore54]

Thank you

[l.stuut]

Happy to help you