Question

Which rationales explain the nursing intervention of placing both hands, one over the other, on the client's abdomen and applying downward pressure toward the vagina? Select all that apply.

Answer 1

The nursing intervention of applying fundal pressure is used to augment the mother's pushing efforts during labor by applying additional force to help move the fetus down the birth canal, though its use is controversial and should be carefully considered.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing intervention of placing both hands, one over the other, on the client's abdomen and applying downward pressure toward the vagina is known as fundal pressure. This technique is sometimes used in obstetrics during the second stage of labor to assist with the delivery of a baby. The primary rationale for applying fundal pressure is to augment the mother's pushing efforts by adding additional force to help move the fetus down the birth canal. This intervention has to be performed with care to avoid potential risks such as increased pain for the mother and potential injury to the fetus.

However, its use is controversial and should only be done under specific circumstances where the benefit outweighs the risks. This fundal pressure technique can aid in the progression of labor by aligning the fetus's head properly and ensuring consistent descent. It may also be used when the mother is exhausted or unable to exert the necessary force to push effectively. As always, the application of this technique must be guided by clinical protocols and the patient's unique situation.