Maternal Monitoring During Labor Related

Review Maternal Monitoring During Labor related questions and content

A patient in labor who is 7 cm dilated requests pain relief. What is the most appropriate intervention at this time?

  • A. Administer an epidural block
  • B. Provide non-pharmacological pain relief methods
  • C. Administer narcotic analgesics
  • D. Encourage the patient to push with each contraction
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer an epidural block. At 7 cm dilation, the patient is in active labor and an epidural can provide effective pain relief without affecting the ability to push during the second stage of labor. Epidural blocks work by numbing the lower part of the body, reducing pain sensation while allowing the patient to remain alert and able to push effectively when the time comes. Non-pharmacological methods (B) may not provide sufficient relief at this stage. Narcotic analgesics (C) can pass through the placenta and affect the baby. Encouraging the patient to push (D) prematurely can lead to exhaustion and prolonged labor.