Final answer:
Ongoing care during cervical ripening includes the nurse assessing the progress of cervical dilation to determine the stage of labor and ensure it is progressing properly. The nurse will monitor the opening of the cervix as it grows in preparation for labor, and interventions may be performed if progress is slow.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of cervical ripening, ongoing care includes the nurse assessing the progress of cervical dilation. The nurse will monitor the opening of the cervix as it grows in preparation for labor and delivery. This assessment is important to determine the stage of labor and to ensure that the cervix is dilating properly.
For example, if a pregnant woman like Janine is experiencing mild contractions but her cervix is only 2 cm dilated, it may indicate slower progress in labor. In such cases, interventions like an IV infusion of pitocin may be performed to help stimulate contractions and ripen the cervix for delivery.
Therefore, ongoing care involves assessing the cervix for dilation and monitoring the progress of labor to ensure a safe and healthy delivery.