Nokea
A nurse is caring for a pregnant woman who is at 40 weeks gestation and is experiencing a prolonged labor. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate to promote labor progression?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the patient to walk or change positions. This intervention helps to promote gravity-assisted descent of the fetus, aiding in cervical dilation and labor progression. Walking and changing positions can also help alleviate pain and discomfort, facilitate optimal fetal positioning, and prevent maternal exhaustion. Administering a sedative (A) can potentially slow down labor progress. Administering oxytocin (C) may be indicated in certain situations, but it is not the most appropriate initial intervention for promoting labor progression in this case. Performing a cesarean section (D) is not warranted unless there are specific medical indications for it, as it is a major surgical procedure with potential risks.