A woman in active labor requests pain relief. Which pharmacological option is safe and effective for pain management during labor?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," is a safe and effective pharmacological option for pain management during labor. Nitrous oxide is commonly used in labor and delivery settings as it has minimal effects on the baby and allows the woman to remain in control of her pain management. It provides quick pain relief when inhaled and can be adjusted to the woman's needs during labor. Ibuprofen, morphine, and diazepam are not typically used for pain management during labor due to their potential risks and side effects, especially for the baby.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the situation of an obstetric emergency requiring immediate delivery, the priority nursing action is to prepare the delivery room for the birth. This involves ensuring that all necessary supplies and equipment are readily available, the bed is adjusted to the appropriate position, and the healthcare team is prepared to assist with the birth. By expeditiously preparing the delivery room, the healthcare team can facilitate a safe and timely delivery for both the mother and the baby. Notifications to the healthcare provider, administering intravenous fluids, and continuous fetal monitoring can be done simultaneously but preparing the delivery room takes precedence to ensure a prompt response to the emergent situation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging frequent position changes, including the hands-and-knees position, is the most appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario. This position is known to help rotate the baby from a persistent posterior position to an optimal anterior position for delivery. The hands-and-knees position can help take pressure off the mother's back, alleviate back pain, and facilitate the rotation of the baby's head to engage in the mother's pelvis, thus promoting labor progress. It is a non-invasive and effective way to promote fetal rotation without the need for immediate instrumental delivery or intravenous analgesics. Continuous fetal monitoring is important for assessing fetal well-being but would not directly address the issue of posterior fetal position and the associated prolonged labor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Uterine hyperstimulation, also known as tachysystole, is a condition where the uterus contracts too frequently and/or too forcefully, leading to a decreased uterine blood flow. This can result in maternal fatigue and decreased oxygenation to the fetus, as mentioned in the scenario. Uterine hyperstimulation can be caused by several factors, including the excessive use of uterotonic medications, such as oxytocin, or the presence of uterine abnormalities.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the most appropriate response when addressing a postpartum client's concerns about resuming sexual activity after a vaginal delivery. Educating the client about the normal changes in sexual desire and response following childbirth can help alleviate anxiety and provide reassurance. It is crucial for the nurse to explain that it is common for women to experience changes in libido, physical discomfort, and emotional adjustments after giving birth. By discussing these normal postpartum changes, the nurse can support the client in understanding that her feelings are valid and that it may take time for her to feel ready to engage in sexual activity again. Furthermore, the nurse can provide information on ways to enhance comfort and intimacy when resuming sexual activity, such as communication with partners, using lubricants, and gradually easing back into sexual activity as desired.