A nurse is caring for a primigravida whose cervix is 2 cm dilated, 75% effaced, and the fetal presenting part is at +2 station.
The patient says to the nurse, “I want an epidural now.Why won’t someone give me an epidural?” Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

The correct answer is choice B. Dry off the newborn.This is the priority nursing action because it prevents heat loss and hypothermia in the newborn.

The newborn has a large surface area and a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, making it vulnerable to cold stress.Drying off the newborn also stimulates breathing and crying, which helps clear the airways.

Choice A is wrong because obtaining a serum sample is not a priority action and may cause unnecessary pain and bleeding in the newborn.

Choice C is wrong because assessing the newborn’s Moro reflex is not a priority action and may be done later during the physical examination.Choice D is wrong because obtaining the newborn’s footprints is not a priority action and may be done after the bonding and breastfeeding period.

The correct answer is choice C.Adolescents need more protein than older pregnant women because they are still growing themselves and need to support the growth of the baby and the placenta.Protein can be found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals.

Choice A is wrong because adolescents need more supplemental iron than older women, not less.This is because they have lower iron stores due to rapid growth and menstruation.Iron deficiency can cause anemia and increase the risk of infections and bleeding.Iron can be found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals.

Choice B is wrong because adolescents need more carbohydrates than older women, not less.Carbohydrates provide energy for the mother and the baby and spare protein for other functions.Carbohydrates can be found in grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Choice D is wrong because adolescents need the same amount of vitamin C as older pregnant women, which is 85 milligrams per day.Vitamin C helps with wound healing, collagen formation, iron absorption, and immune function.Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, potatoes, and fortified juices.