A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The nurse recognizes the client is in the dependent, taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. Which of the following is an expected finding during this period?

Choice A reason: Check the client's temperature every 4 hr is incorrect, as this action is not frequent enough for a client who had an amniotomy. The nurse should check the client's temperature every 2 hr after an amniotomy, as there is an increased risk of infection due to the rupture of membranes. The nurse should also monitor for signs of chorioamnionitis, such as foul-smelling amniotic fluid, maternal tachycardia, or fetal tachycardia.

Choice B reason: Remind the client to bear down with each contraction is incorrect, as this action is not appropriate for a client who is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid bearing down or pushing until they are in the second stage of labor, when the cervix is fully dilated and effaced. Bearing down too early can cause cervical edema, lacerations, or exhaustion.

Choice C reason: Maintain the client in the lithotomy position is incorrect, as this action is not optimal for a client who is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. The lithotomy position is a supine position with the legs elevated and abducted, which can reduce blood flow to the uterus and placenta, increase perineal edema, and limit pelvic outlet diameter. The nurse should encourage the client to change positions frequently and use upright or lateral positions that can enhance uterine contractility, fetal descent, and maternal comfort.

Choice D reason: Encourage the client to empty the bladder every 2 hr is correct, as this action can promote labor progress and prevent bladder distension and infection. The nurse should assist the client to void every 2 hr after an amniotomy, as there may be decreased sensation of bladder fullness due to pressure from the fetal head. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contractions, fetal descent, and cervical dilation.

Choice A reason:
Bloody show from the vagina is incorrect, as this finding is normal and expected in the second stage of labor. Bloody show refers to the passage of mucus and blood from the cervix, which indicates cervical dilation and effacement.

Choice B reason:
Early decelerations in the FHR is incorrect, as this finding is normal and benign in the second stage of labor. Early decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the FHR that mirror the contractions, which indicate fetal head compression and vagal stimulation. The nurse should continue to monitor the FHR and document the findings.

Choice C reason:
Pelvic pressure with contractions is incorrect, as this finding is normal and expected in the second stage of labor. Pelvic pressure indicates that the fetus is descending into the birth canal and that the client is ready to push.

Choice D reason:
Uterine contraction lasting 2 min is correct, as this finding is abnormal and potentially dangerous in any stage of labor. Uterine contraction lasting 2 min can indicate uterine tetany or hyperstimulation, which can cause fetal distress, placental abruption, uterine rupture, or maternal hemorrhage. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and prepare to intervene as ordered.