A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic migraines about a new prescription for sumatriptan. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Contraction intensity increased by ambulation. This finding is typical of true labor, as walking or changing positions usually causes contractions to increase in strength, duration, and frequency. In contrast, false labor contractions often subside with rest or activity changes and do not intensify with movement.
B. Slow change in dilation and effacement. Any change in cervical dilation or effacement, even if slow, is more consistent with true labor. False labor does not produce any significant cervical change, and the cervix remains closed or minimally altered with time or contractions.
C. Presence of bloody show. Bloody show is the expulsion of the mucus plug mixed with blood, a common sign of cervical softening and dilation. This is a key indicator of true labor, as it reflects actual physical changes in preparation for delivery.
D. Intermittent painless contractions. These contractions, also called Braxton Hicks contractions, are a hallmark of false labor. They are usually irregular, mild, and do not lead to cervical changes. They often resolve with hydration, rest, or position changes and are considered a normal part of the body's preparation for labor, not the onset of true labor.

A. Fill out an incident report. While completing an incident report is necessary for documentation and quality improvement, it is not the priority action. The nurse must first assess the client's condition to address any immediate risks.
B. Report the incident to the nurse manager. Informing the nurse manager is important for accountability and follow-up, but client safety and assessment come first before escalating the issue to management.
C. Notify the provider. The provider should be informed after the nurse has assessed the client and gathered relevant data such as vital signs. This allows the provider to make informed decisions about further treatment or monitoring.
D. Measure the client's vital signs. Assessing the client is the first priority following a medication error to identify any adverse effects. Vital signs provide immediate data on the client’s physiological status and guide urgent interventions if needed.