A woman is in the second stage of labor with a strong urge to push.

Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate at this time?

Choice A rationale
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is not typically associated with perineal sepsis; rather, it is a bacterium that colonizes the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts.
Choice B rationale
While GBS colonization can pose risks, chorioamnionitis is a different infection involving the membranes and amniotic fluid, often caused by a variety of microorganisms, not solely GBS.
Choice C rationale
GBS is not primarily sexually transmitted; it is a bacterium naturally present in the genital and digestive tracts, and colonization can occur without sexual contact.
Choice D rationale
Neonatal sepsis is a serious risk for babies born to mothers colonized with GBS, necessitating antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent transmission and subsequent infection in the newborn.

Choice A rationale
Bladder distention may cause discomfort and urinary issues but is not directly related to cervical dilation and effacement, which involve changes in the cervix to prepare for labor.
Choice B rationale
False labor involves irregular contractions that do not lead to cervical dilation and effacement. These are often called Braxton Hicks contractions and do not result in significant cervical changes.
Choice C rationale
The cervical mucus plug coming out, also known as the "bloody show," indicates that the cervix is beginning to dilate and efface, which are preparatory processes for labor to occur.
Choice D rationale
Lightening refers to the descent of the baby into the pelvis, which typically occurs in the later stages of pregnancy and does not directly involve cervical dilation and effacement processes.