The laboring patient and her partner have arrived at the birthing ...

[humphriesbr@me.com]

The laboring patient and her partner have arrived at the birthing unit. Which step of the admission process should be undertaken first?
 
  1. The sterile vaginal exam
  2. Welcoming the couple
  3. Auscultation of the fetal heart rate
  4. Checking for ruptured membranes

Question 2

An expectant father has been at the bedside of his laboring partner for more than 12 hours. An appropriate nursing intervention would be to:
 
  1. Insist that he leave the room for at least the next hour.
  2. Tell him he is not being as effective as he was and that he needs to let someone else take over.
  3. Offer to remain with his partner while he takes a break.
  4. Suggest that the patient's mother might be of more help.

[meltdown117]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The sterile vaginal exam should be performed after rapport has been established and maternal vital signs have been assessed.
Rationale 2: Establishing rapport will decrease anxiety of the couple and facilitate a more pleasant birth experience.
Rationale 3: Welcoming the couple is more important upon arrival.
Rationale 4: Although assessing for intact or ruptured membranes is a part of the admission assessment, welcoming the couple is more important upon arrival.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Insisting that the father leave does not reassure him about the care the woman will receive in his absence.
Rationale 2: Telling him that he is ineffective does not reassure him about the care the woman will receive in his absence.
Rationale 3: Support persons frequently are reluctant to leave the laboring woman to take care of their own needs. Offering to stay with the woman so that he can take a break reassures the support person that the woman will be well cared for in his absence.
Rationale 4: Suggesting that the patient's mother take his place does not reassure him about the care the woman will receive in his absence.