Question

A client with a full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy comes into the labor and delivery unit in early labor states, "i think my water has broken." which action by the nurse would be the priority?

Answer 1

The priority of the nurse would be to check the fluid(water) coming out. She would check for the quantity of the fluid, the colour of the fluid and the odour of the fluid.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a pregnant woman goes into labour and her water breaks, that signifies the release of her aminotic fluid.

The aminotic fluid is a clear,slightly yellowish fluid that develops during the pregnancy of a woman. The aminotic fluid surrounds the growing foetus. It serves as a means of protection for the baby. The aminotic fluid also serves as means through which nutrients, water is exchanged from the mother to the growing foetus.

During labour, once the aminotic fluid is released, it should be clear, colourless and odourless as well. For some women, there might be slight traces of blood present.

Answer 2

The water means in pregnancy the amniotic fluid inside the amniotic sac which the baby is placed. Sometimes the water breaks which can be felt by a gushing out of water or slow leakage of water from the vagina.

When the client with full-term uncomplicated healthy pregnancy comes into labor where she finds her water to be broken the nurse should immediately comfort the patient not to get panicked and look for any infection or risk of infection.

Then she should try to stimulate the uterine contractions to help the baby come out of the womb in a natural way first rather than opt for a cesarean at once. The earlier the best as every minute delayed tends to produce infection to the baby.