A woman in active labor experiences prolonged and severe pain in the lower back region, along with irregular contractions. What maternal condition should the nurse consider as a potential cause of abnormal labor progress?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An occiput posterior fetal position, where the baby's head is facing the mother's abdomen rather than her back, can lead to prolonged and severe back pain during labor. This position can cause irregular contractions and difficulty in descending through the birth canal, resulting in abnormal labor progress. The back pain experienced in this case is often intense due to the pressure exerted on the mother's lower back and may also be associated with intense back labor. It is essential for the nurse to recognize this potential issue and assist in maneuvers or positions to help the baby rotate to a more optimal position for delivery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Administering ice packs to the perineum is the priority nursing intervention to provide relief for perineal pain and discomfort in a postpartum client. Ice packs help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the perineal area, which can help alleviate pain. It is a safe and effective method to provide immediate relief and promote comfort for the client. Other interventions such as encouraging ambulation, administering analgesics, and recommending warm sitz baths can also be beneficial, but in the initial management of perineal pain, ice packs are the most appropriate choice.

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.