A patient in labor has internal fetal monitoring and normal vital ...

[big1devin]

A patient in labor has internal fetal monitoring and normal vital signs. All fetal signs are reassuring. She wishes to try whirlpool bath hydrotherapy as a comfort measure. Which action by the nurse is best?
 
  A.
  Assist the woman into the tub so she doesn't fall.
  B.
  Ensure the water temperature does not exceed 101 F (38.3 C).
  C.
  Inform her that she is not able to participate in this method.
  D.
  Remove the fetal monitor wires prior to the patient's getting in the tub.

Question 2

A nurse is coaching a woman in labor in patterned breathing. To use the slow-paced breathing method, which instruction is best?
 
  A.
  Blow like you are blowing out a candle at the end of your breath.
  B.
  I will count to 4 while you inhale and again when you exhale.
  C.
  Take a deep cleansing breath when the contraction ends.
  D.
  You need to breathe at half of your normal rate in this pattern.

[potomatos]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Hydrotherapy can provide excellent comfort for many women in labor; however, the presence of internal fetal monitoring electrodes is a contraindication to the use of whirlpool tubs or jet hydrotherapy. The nurse should inform her of this and explore other comfort measures. The other options are not appropriate.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
With the slow-paced breathing pattern, the woman first takes a deep cleansing breath, then breathes slowly in and out of her mouth at about half her normal respiratory rate. Her coach counts slowly to 4 during inhalation and again during exhalation. Blowing out the candle is an instruction given during transition with the pattern-paced method. The woman should begin and end each contraction with a deep cleansing breath. Telling the woman that her respiratory rate will be half of the normal rate does not provide any specific instruction for her to follow.

[big1devin]

Thank you

[potomatos]

Happy to help you