A nurse is caring for a laboring person in the second stage of labor. What is the most appropriate intervention when the perineum starts to bulge?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: apply gentle pressure to the perineum. This intervention helps to support the perineum and reduce the risk of perineal tearing during childbirth. Applying gentle pressure can slow down the baby's descent and allow the perineum to stretch gradually, reducing the likelihood of severe tearing. This intervention is important to promote a safe and controlled delivery.
Incorrect answer explanations:
A: Applying warm compresses may provide some comfort but does not specifically address the need to support the perineum during childbirth.
C: Episiotomy should be considered only when necessary and not as a routine intervention when the perineum bulges.
D: Perineal massage is typically done during the prenatal period to help prepare the perineum for childbirth but is not the most appropriate intervention when the perineum starts to bulge during labor.