Question

The husband of a client in labor asks what the indentation is on his wife's abdomen. The nurse identifies that it is a retraction ring (Bandl's ring). What is the next nursing action?

A. Explain to him what it means and notify the practitioner
B. Advise him that his wife is starting to enter the second stage of labor
C. Inform him that it is a sign that the fetus is descending in the birth canal
D. Tell him that this indentation is expected and reflects the strength of the contractions

Answer 1

The nurse should explain the meaning of the retraction ring to the husband and notify the practitioner.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, the nurse has identified a retraction ring (Bandl's ring) on the client's abdomen. The next nursing action should be to explain to the husband what it means and notify the practitioner. Bandl's ring is a sign of dystocia, which is an abnormal or difficult labor. It occurs when the uterus contracts and retracts at the same time, causing the lower uterine segment to become thick and constricted. This can lead to complications during childbirth and requires medical attention.