A patient presents to the labor and birth area for emergent birth. Vaginal exam reveals that the patient is fully dilated, vertex, +2 station, with ruptured membranes. The patient is extremely apprehensive because this is her first childbirth experience and asks for an epidural to be administered now. What is the priority nursing response based on this patient assessment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By assisting the patient with nonpharmacologic methods of pain distraction, the nurse is focusing on the patient's needs while still preparing for vaginal birth. The patient presents in an emergent situation with birth being imminent. Thus there is not enough time to administer an epidural. Telling the patient that she will not need any pain medication because the birth will be over soon does not address the patient's concerns of apprehension and therefore is not therapeutic. Because this is an emergency birth situation, the nurse should be attending to the patient. If needed, another nurse and/or supervisor can contact the physician.

A Patient Presents to the Labor and Birth Area for Emergent