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A woman telephones her health care provider and reports that her waters just broke. Which suggestion by the nurse would be most appropriate?

A) "Call us back when you start having contractions."
B) "Come to the clinic or emergency department for an evaluation."
C) "Drink 3 to 4 glasses of water and lie down."
D) "Come in as soon as you feel the urge to push."

User Ya Zhuang
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse should advise the woman whose waters just broke to come to the clinic or emergency department for evaluation to assess labor progression and ensure health and safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

Appropriate Response to Amniotic Sac Rupture

When a woman reports that her waters just broke, the most appropriate suggestion by the nurse would be option B) "Come to the clinic or emergency department for an evaluation." The rupture of the amniotic sac, also known as the 'water breaking,' is a sign that labor may soon begin or has already begun. It is crucial for the woman to be evaluated by healthcare professionals to ensure both her and the baby's health and to determine the appropriate next steps in the birthing process.

Childbirth follows three stages: dilation of the cervix, birth of the baby, and afterbirth or delivery of the placenta. When the amniotic sac breaks and labor has not progressed significantly (as in the absence of strong, regular contractions or significant cervical dilation), medical evaluation is necessary. This is to assess whether labor is proceeding normally or if medical intervention, like the administration of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin), may be needed to support the labor process.

User Kartsims
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