The nurse assesses a patient in active labor and determines that the fetus is in the left occiput posterior position. The patient indicates to the nurse that she does not want an epidural. Which is the best technique for the nurse to include in the patient's plan of care?

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The fetus in the occiput posterior position will place pressure against the sacral area. Firm pressure against the sacral area may help relieve strain on the sacroiliac joint from a fetal occiput posterior position (often called back labor). The partner begins to increase pressure on the sacrum as soon as the contraction begins. Effleurage is the slow massage of the abdomen; it does not focus on the sacral area. Progressive relaxation involves contracting and then consciously releasing different muscle groups. The exercise is repeated throughout the body until all voluntary muscles are relaxed. It does not focus on the sacral area. Rapid, paced breathing techniques are used during the transitional phase of labor and are not specifically focused on the sacral area.

The Nurse Assesses a Patient in Active Labor and Determines