Final answer:
To prevent perineal lacerations during birth, providing adequate coaching on pushing and breathing, applying warm compresses to the perineum, and helping the woman to squat during labor are effective nursing actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent perineal lacerations during birth, providing adequate coaching on pushing and breathing is the best nursing action. This coaching helps the woman to push effectively and control her pushing efforts, which can reduce the risk of excessive stretching and tearing of the perineum. Applying warm compresses to the perineum can also be helpful as it improves blood flow to the area and promotes tissue flexibility. Helping the woman to squat during labor can also help reduce the risk of perineal lacerations by utilizing gravity and allowing the baby to descend gradually.