ATI RN
Promoting Client Comfort During Labor and Delivery Questions
Question 1 of 5
A labor patient, gravida 2, para 1, at term has received meperidine (Demerol) for pain control during labor. Her most recent dose was 15 minutes ago and birth is now imminent. Maternal vital signs have been stable and the EFM tracing has not shown any baseline changes. Which medication does the nurse anticipate would be required in the birth room for administration?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Naloxone (Narcan). Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can cross the placenta and potentially cause respiratory depression in the newborn if given close to delivery. Naloxone is a specific opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioids like meperidine quickly and effectively. Administering naloxone in this scenario can help prevent or reverse neonatal respiratory depression. Choice A: Oxytocin (Pitocin) is not required in this scenario as it is used to induce or augment labor, not to counter the effects of meperidine. Choice C: Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is a medication used to suppress lactation and is not indicated in this situation. Choice D: Oxygen may be needed during delivery for maternal or fetal distress, but it is not the specific medication needed to counter the effects of meperidine in the newborn.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assisting a laboring patient with breathing techniques to reduce labor pain. Which technique involves exhaling slowly while concentrating on relaxing each muscle group?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Slow-paced breathing. This technique involves exhaling slowly while focusing on relaxing each muscle group, which helps reduce labor pain. Slow-paced breathing promotes relaxation and reduces stress, making it an effective pain management technique during labor. Cleansing breaths (A) focus on deep breathing to clear the mind, not necessarily on muscle relaxation. Modified-paced breathing (C) involves breathing in a controlled pattern but may not specifically target muscle relaxation. Effleurage (D) is a massage technique involving light stroking movements, not breathing techniques for pain management.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a laboring patient who is using patterned breathing techniques. The patient suddenly complains of lightheadedness and tingling in her hands. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Instruct the patient to breathe into her cupped hands. This is because lightheadedness and tingling in hands may indicate hyperventilation from rapid breathing. Breathing into cupped hands helps rebreathe carbon dioxide, restoring balance. Choice A is incorrect as elevating legs increases blood flow to brain, worsening symptoms. Choice C is unnecessary as oxygen is not the issue. Choice D may exacerbate hyperventilation.
Question 4 of 5
Which nursing action is most appropriate for a laboring patient experiencing severe back pain due to a posterior fetal position?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage frequent position changes. This is because changing positions can help alleviate pressure on the back and potentially help the baby rotate into a more favorable position for delivery. It is a non-invasive and supportive approach to managing back pain during labor. Offering narcotic analgesics (choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Continuous fetal monitoring (choice C) is important but not the most immediate intervention for back pain. Immediately preparing for a cesarean delivery (choice D) is not warranted unless there are other concerning factors beyond back pain.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient in transition. Which sign is most indicative that this phase of labor is occurring?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because increased bloody show and complaints of pressure are indicative of the transition phase of labor. This phase occurs when the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 cm and contractions are strong and close together. This is a sign that the baby is moving down the birth canal. The other choices are incorrect because A describes the active phase of labor, C indicates the second stage of labor, and D reflects early labor. B is the most appropriate choice as it specifically aligns with the characteristics of the transition phase.