Question

A woman in labor seems to be progressing more slowly than expected. Which action should the nurse perform first?

A. Administer oxygen by face mask.
B. Assess the woman for a full bladder.
C. Increase the rate of the IV fluids.
D. Provide stimulants such as coffee.

Answer 1

The nurse should first assess the woman in labor for a full bladder, as it can impede labor progress. Administering oxytocin may be appropriate to induce or augment labor when necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a woman in labor is progressing more slowly than expected, the nurse's first action should typically be to assess the woman for a full bladder. A full bladder can impede the progress of labor and is a problem that can be resolved quickly and non-invasively. Before moving to other interventions, such as administering oxygen by face mask, increasing the rate of IV fluids, or providing stimulants like coffee, the nurse should first assess for a full bladder as it can present a physical barrier to the descending fetus, thereby slowing labor progress. Administering oxytocin as in Janine's case, where she was 41 weeks pregnant and experiencing mild contractions without significant dilatation, is medically appropriate to induce or augment labor. Oxytocin, particularly in the form of Pitocin, is used to restart and maintain labor when progression is slow or has stopped.