A nurse is caring for a client who is a primigravida, at term, and having contractions but is stating that she is "not really sure if she is in labor or not.”. Which of the following is the BEST indicator of true labor that the nurse should recognize?

Choice A rationale

Reassuring the client and rapidly completing the admission does not address the urgent symptom of an urge to have a bowel movement, which can indicate imminent delivery. Immediate assessment of labor progress is necessary.

Choice B rationale

Assisting the client to the bathroom to have a bowel movement may not be appropriate because the urge to defecate can signify the onset of the second stage of labor (pushing stage). Moving to the bathroom could risk an unattended delivery.

Choice C rationale

Assessing the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions with a routine tracing is important, but it does not directly address the urgent symptom of the urge to have a bowel movement. Vaginal exam takes priority to assess labor progress.

Choice D rationale

Assessing her progress of labor with a vaginal exam is the priority because the urge to have a bowel movement can signify that the baby is descending in the birth canal. This is the most immediate and necessary action to determine if delivery is imminent.

Choice A rationale

Administering epinephrine before the procedure is not standard practice to prevent hypotension associated with epidurals. Epinephrine is used in emergency situations to treat severe allergic reactions or cardiac arrest, not for preventing epidural-induced hypotension.

Choice B rationale

Positioning the client on her back prior to the procedure is not recommended, as it can exacerbate hypotension due to compression of the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus. This position can decrease venous return to the heart and reduce cardiac output.

Choice C rationale

Having the patient eat a carbohydrate snack prior to the procedure is not a standard intervention to prevent hypotension during an epidural. Dietary intake does not directly prevent the vasodilatory effects of the epidural anesthesia.

Choice D rationale

Administering a bolus of 0.9% Normal saline IV fluid before the procedure is the correct intervention to prevent hypotension. Preloading with IV fluids increases intravascular volume, counteracting the vasodilation and potential drop in blood pressure caused by the epidural anesthesia. .