Question

Amanda receives the analgesic and relief is obtained. Within 30 mins she has progressed to 8 cm dilation and is fully effaced, and the fetus is at 0 station. The nurse asks the charge nurse to assign someone else to new client until Amanda gives birth. The CN refuses, telling the nurse that there just isn't anyone else. What should the nurse do next?

a) Advocate for an additional nurse
b) Delegate tasks to available staff
c) Inform the supervisor

Answer 1

When the charge nurse refuses additional help during labor, the nurse should advocate for extra support, delegate available tasks to staff, and inform a supervisor if needed. The use of pitocin is to promote labor progression when it is not occurring naturally.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nursing action in labor and delivery situations often requires quick thinking and efficient management of resources. When faced with a refusal by the charge nurse for an assignment change, the nurse's next step should be to advocate for additional support, delegate tasks to available staff where possible, and if necessary, inform a supervisor about the situation. These actions ensure that the patient continues to receive the necessary care while also managing the unit's resources effectively.

Janine is 41 weeks pregnant and has been administered an IV infusion of pitocin because her labor is not progressing naturally, which is indicated by the mild contractions and only 2 cm dilation. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, which can restart and maintain labor, guiding the mother toward giving birth.

It is essential for nurses to understand the stages of labor, how labor can be augmented with medications like pitocin when necessary, and how to manage their workload effectively in a busy labor unit.