A nurse is assessing a client who is in active labor. The client reports the urge to have a bowel movement and begins to bear down during contractions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to perform rapid, shallow breathing. The urge to bear down during contractions indicates the second stage of labor, and pushing prematurely can lead to complications. Rapid, shallow breathing helps prevent pushing until the cervix is fully dilated. Choice B is incorrect because preparing for an emergency cesarean birth is not indicated based on the information provided. Choice C is incorrect as pelvic tilts are not appropriate when the client is already bearing down. Choice D is incorrect since applying counterpressure to the sacrum is not the priority when the client is showing signs of advancing labor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client in the first trimester of pregnancy experiencing nausea is to consume small, frequent meals. This helps alleviate nausea by preventing an empty stomach and maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Drinking water with meals can sometimes exacerbate nausea, especially in the case of morning sickness. Eating high-fat foods can be heavy on the stomach and worsen nausea. Lying down after eating can lead to reflux and is not recommended, especially for pregnant individuals experiencing nausea.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client who is postpartum and had a cesarean birth is to not lift anything heavier than her newborn. This precaution is crucial to prevent injury to the healing incision site and allow for proper recovery. Choice A is incorrect as it implies resuming abdominal exercises in 2 weeks, which may strain the incision area. Choice C is incorrect because the client should wait longer than 1 week before driving to ensure they can perform emergency maneuvers if needed. Choice D is incorrect as resuming sexual activity in 2 weeks may put strain on the healing tissues and increase the risk of complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Early decelerations are a benign finding that typically indicate fetal head compression, a normal response to uterine contractions. They do not require intervention as they are not associated with fetal compromise. The appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario is to continue to monitor the fetal heart rate. Repositioning the client, administering oxygen, or increasing IV fluids are not indicated responses to early decelerations and could be unnecessary or potentially harmful.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to offer both breasts at each feeding. This practice helps ensure the baby receives hindmilk from both breasts, promoting adequate milk intake and stimulating milk production. Option A is incorrect as newborns should be breastfed on demand rather than on a strict schedule. Option C is inappropriate as it can interfere with establishing and maintaining a sufficient milk supply. Option D is inaccurate as newborns typically do not sleep through the night at one month; they need to feed frequently for proper growth and development.