A nurse is caring for a laboring person who is in the third stage of labor. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention during this stage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: assist with the delivery of the placenta. During the third stage of labor, the placenta needs to be delivered. This is done by gently applying traction to the umbilical cord while supporting the uterus to facilitate the expulsion of the placenta. This step is crucial to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B (prepare for a vaginal birth) is incorrect because the person is already in the third stage of labor, which means the baby has been delivered and they are now focusing on delivering the placenta.
Choice C (administer oxytocin) is incorrect because while oxytocin may be used to help control bleeding after the placenta is delivered, it is not the most appropriate intervention during the third stage of labor.
Choice D (apply gentle pressure to the uterus) is incorrect because direct pressure to the uterus is not the primary intervention during the third stage of labor; assisting with the delivery of the placenta takes precedence.