The nurse is caring for a patient in labor whose fetus is in an occiput posterior position. Which intervention should the nurse use to reduce this patient's discomfort?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the fetal head rotates against the sacrum in the occiput posterior position, the patient may experience pressure and pain in the lower back because of sacral nerve compression. Applying counter pressure on the sacrum by a back rub may be helpful in relieving a portion of the pain. The patient does not need to be placed in the prone or Trendelenburg positions. Ice packs are not indicated to reduce this pain.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient in Labor Whose