Question

A gravida 2 para 1, at 38-weeks gestation, scheduled for a repeat cesarean section in one week, is brought to the labor and delivery unit complaining of contractions every 10 minutes. While assessing the client, the client's mothers enter the labor suite and says in a loud voice, "I've had 8 children and I know she's in labor. I want her to have her cesarean section right now!" what action should the nurse take?

Answer 1

The nurse should assess the patient to determine if she is in active labor and check the cervix for dilation before making a decision on performing an immediate cesarean section. The healthcare team's clinical judgment should guide the course of action.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario would be to conduct a proper assessment of the patient's condition to determine if she is indeed in active labor or if the contractions are false labor. The mother's insistence for an immediate cesarean section should not override the clinical assessment and judgment of the healthcare team.



If the patient is in active labor, the nurse should monitor the frequency and intensity of contractions, check the cervix for dilation, and communicate with the obstetrician to determine whether to proceed with the scheduled cesarean section or to perform an emergency cesarean section if indicated. It's important to acknowledge the mother's concern but explain that decisions are based on the patient's and the baby's medical needs.