Nokea
A 24-year-old patient is in labor and requests pain relief. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient who is in the active phase of labor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer an epidural block. In the active phase of labor, the pain is typically intense and continuous. Administering an epidural block can provide effective pain relief by blocking nerve signals, allowing the patient to rest and conserve energy for the pushing phase. It does not affect the ability to push and can improve maternal satisfaction. Non-pharmacological methods (B) may not provide sufficient relief at this stage. Narcotic analgesics (C) can cross the placenta and affect the baby's respiratory system. Encouraging the patient to push (D) is appropriate during the second stage of labor, not the active phase.