A woman in the active phase of the first stage of labor is using a shallow pattern of breathing,which is about twice the normal adult breathing rate.She starts to complain about feeling light-headed and dizzy and states that her fingers are tingling.The nurse should:
A) notify the woman's physician.
B) tell the woman to slow the pace of her breathing.
C) administer oxygen via a mask or nasal cannula.
D) help her breathe into a paper bag.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This woman is experiencing the side effects of hyperventilation,which include the symptoms of lightheadedness,dizziness,tingling of the fingers,or circumoral numbness.Having the woman breathe into a paper bag held tightly around her mouth and nose may eliminate respiratory alkalosis.This enables her to rebreathe carbon dioxide and replace the bicarbonate ion.

A Woman in the Active Phase of the First Stage