Final answer:
Nursing care during the third stage of labor entails delivering the placenta, preventing hemorrhage, and aiding with breastfeeding. Administering pain medication and performing an episiotomy are associated with earlier labor stages. Fetal monitoring occurs pre-delivery, transitioning to newborn vital signs post-birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing care during the third and fourth stages of labor involves a variety of tasks geared toward ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the newborn. Although the question references four stages of labor, it is generally accepted that childbirth is divided into three stages. The third stage, also known as the afterbirth, involves the delivery of the placenta. Nursing care during this stage includes monitoring for signs of hemorrhage, assessing uterine firmness, and ensuring the well-being of the newborn. This includes assisting with breastfeeding as needed and providing support for the mother as she recovers from delivery. It is important to note that administering pain medication is typically associated with the first two stages of labor rather than the third. In addition, performing an episiotomy is a procedure that may take place during the second stage of labor, not the third or fourth. Fetal heart rate monitoring is also essential during the first and second stages to assess the baby's condition, but once the baby is born, this practice shifts to assessing the newborn's vital signs.