Question

A patients cervix is 8 cm dilated and she is 100% effaced. What action by the nurse is most important at this time?

A. Allow the support person to be at the bedside.
B. Encourage the woman to bear down.
C. Have the woman avoid pushing at this time.
D. Instruct the woman to rest between contractions.

Answer 1

During stage one of labor, when the cervix is already
`8` cm dilated and
`100%` effaced, the most important action for the nurse is to allow the support person to be at the bedside.

Step-by-step explanation:

During stage one of labor, the cervix thins and dilates. The cervix needs to dilate to about
`10` cm for the baby and placenta to be expelled during birth. In this case, the patient's cervix is already
`8` cm dilated and she is
`100%` effaced, which means the cervix is completely thinned out.

At this point, the most important action for the nurse is to allow the support person to be at the bedside. This can provide emotional support and comfort to the patient during labor.