Question

The nurse is admitting a patient to the labor and delivery unit. While performing the initial assessment, it is most important to assess:

a. food and drug allergies.
b. when the baby is due.
c. when the patient last ate.
d. the timing of contractions.

Answer 1

Assessing the timing of contractions is crucial during initial labor assessment to determine the labor stage and act accordingly, such as administering Pitocin if labor is not progressing naturally.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the initial assessment of a patient in labor, it is most important to assess the timing of contractions. True labor is characterized by contractions that progressively become more frequent and intense, leading to cervical dilation and effacement. Analyzing the timing and strength of contractions helps determine the stage of labor and the need for any interventions.

For instance, if labor is not progressing despite regular contractions, as in the case of Janine who is 41 weeks pregnant with only 2 cm of cervical dilation, synthetic oxytocin such as Pitocin may be administered to enhance uterine contractions and promote labor progression. This management aims to facilitate the natural process of labor, as outlined in the three stages: dilation of the cervix, birth of the baby, and expulsion of the placenta.