Pregnancy Assessment Questions Related

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The labor nurse is reviewing breathing techniques with a primiparous patient admitted for induction of labor. When is the best time to encourage the laboring patient to use slow, deep chest breathing with contractions?

  • A. During labor, when she can no longer talk through contractions
  • B. During the first stage of labor, when the contractions are 3 to 4 minutes apart
  • C. Between contractions, during the transitional phase of the first stage of labor
  • D. Between her efforts to push to facilitate relaxation between contractions
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: During labor, when she can no longer talk through contractions. This is the best time to encourage slow, deep chest breathing as it helps the laboring patient stay calm, focused, and manage pain effectively during the intense active phase of labor. When a woman reaches the point where she can no longer talk through contractions, it indicates that she is in the active phase of labor and may benefit from slow, deep breathing to help cope with the intensity of contractions.

Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
B: During the first stage of labor, when the contractions are 3 to 4 minutes apart - Contractions being 3 to 4 minutes apart may not necessarily indicate the active phase of labor requiring slow, deep breathing.
C: Between contractions, during the transitional phase of the first stage of labor - Transitional phase contractions are typically intense and close together, making it less ideal for relaxation breathing between contractions.
D: Between her efforts