A woman in active labor demonstrates persistent occiput posterior fetal position, contributing to prolonged labor and severe back pain. What nursing intervention should be prioritized to facilitate fetal rotation and optimize labor progress?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Placing the mother in a hands-and-knees position can help facilitate fetal rotation from occiput posterior to the desired occiput anterior position. This position utilizes gravity to assist in the repositioning of the baby, ultimately helping to alleviate back pain and promoting more efficient labor progress. It allows the baby's head to descend properly into the pelvis, potentially reducing the risk of a prolonged labor or the need for instrumental delivery. Additionally, being in this position can help the mother feel more comfortable and empowered during labor. Overall, assisting the mother into a hands-and-knees position is a non-invasive, low-risk intervention that can have a positive impact on both the mother and baby's well-being during labor.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention to alleviate breast engorgement and discomfort in a breastfeeding client is to encourage frequent breastfeeding or pumping sessions. Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full of milk, causing them to become swollen, firm, and painful. By ensuring that the baby breastfeeds frequently, the client can effectively empty the breasts, which helps to relieve engorgement and discomfort. Encouraging the client to breastfeed on demand and ensuring proper latching can help prevent further engorgement issues. Pumping can also be useful if the baby is unable to feed directly from the breast or to relieve engorgement between feedings. This intervention addresses the root cause of the problem and promotes the client's comfort and breastfeeding success. Applying cold packs, using a supportive bra or breast binder, and administering oral analgesics may provide some relief for discomfort but do not address the underlying issue of engorgement.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Providing education on techniques to improve latch and milk transfer should be prioritized to support successful breastfeeding in this situation. Newborns who are macrosomic (large for gestational age) may have difficulties latching due to their size and may require additional support to effectively breastfeed. By educating the postpartum client on proper latch techniques and milk transfer, the nurse can help optimize the breastfeeding experience for both the mother and baby. This intervention focuses on addressing the specific concerns related to the infant's size and aims to promote successful breastfeeding despite potential challenges. As such, recommending supplemental formula feedings, encouraging the client to avoid breastfeeding, or immediately referring to a lactation consultant may not directly address the immediate need for support in improving breastfeeding in this situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Assisting the client to a seated position on the toilet should be implemented first. This position promotes relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles and can help facilitate urinary elimination. It is a non-invasive and least intrusive intervention compared to performing intermittent catheterization or administering diuretic medication. Encouraging the client to drink plenty of fluids is important for promoting overall urinary function, but in this case, the priority is to aid the client in attempting to void first.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Persistent, severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and rigidity in a postpartum client can be indicative of serious conditions such as uterine rupture, hemorrhage, or infection, which require urgent medical attention. As a nurse, the priority action in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately so that appropriate interventions can be initiated promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. Administering analgesics or providing emotional support may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms and could potentially delay necessary medical treatment. Assisting the client to a comfortable position can be considered once the healthcare provider has been informed and appropriate assessments and interventions have been initiated.