A client in labor with cervical dilation of 9 cm is experiencing contractions every 2 minutes that are 60 to 90 seconds in duration and is complaining of excruciating rectal pressure. How should the nurse interpret this complaint?
A) The client's complaint is congruent with her current stage of labor.
B) The client's complaint may indicate the need for delivery via cesarean section.
C) Based upon the client's complaint, she is experiencing the active phase of labor.
D) The client's complaint is consistent with placental separation, which is normal for her current stage of labor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Excruciating rectal pressure is a common complaint during the transitional phase of labor, which is characterized by cervical dilation of 8-10 cm. This complaint typically indicates that the fetus is descending into the birth canal, and the cervix is fully dilated. Thus, the client's complaint is congruent with her current stage of labor. There is no indication for a cesarean section at this point, and placental separation typically occurs after the fetus has been delivered.

A Client in Labor with Cervical Dilation of 9 Cm