A primipara client asks about possible support options for her ...

[KWilfred]

A primipara client asks about possible support options for her during the labor process. She is apprehensive that her family members will not be prepared to assist her during this time. Which option would be most effective for this client?
 
  a. Reassure the client that the labor and birth staff consists of highly trained nurses who are well educated to take care of laboring clients, so that should be sufficient.
  b. Encourage the client to take prepared childbirth classes with her husband because that should provide the best support by a family member.
  c. Provide information to the client about obtaining a doula during the labor process.
  d. Tell the client that this is a normal feeling based on fear of the unknown and that it will subside once she starts the labor process.

Question 2

A client asks, What can I do to help decrease the amount of pain with labor? What should be the nurse's best response?
 
  a. Nothing. That is the way God intended it to be.
  b. We can give you medications to help with the pain.
  c. You should not worry about the pain; leave that concern up to the staff.
  d. By trying to relax, the contractions will be more efficient and the pain may be less.

[Moriaki]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Providing information about a doula addresses the client's concern because the doula's designated role is to provide support during labor. Although it is true that labor and birth nurses are trained in their specialty, the client is voicing concern for support so her feelings should not be minimized. Encouraging the client to take prepared childbirth classes is also important but does not address the client's concern for support. Because this client is a primipara, it is normal to have some anxiety over the unknown process of the labor experience but, again, this response minimizes the client's concern.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Anxiety and tension will make the uterine contractions less effective and increase the length of labor. Relaxation will help the contractions to be more effective and the labor will be less painful. Stating nothing is demeaning and does not answer the woman's questions. The woman may not want medications but instead is looking for alternatives. You should not worry about the pain; leave that concern up to the staff does not answer the woman's questions and would not alleviate her concern about pain control.