A labor patient is dilated 8 cm, and her contractions are every 3 minutes with a duration of 80 seconds. She begins to thrash about, cries out, and pushes her covers off of the bed. The nurse's most appropriate action is to:
a. Offer to give her a back rub to help her relax.
b. Tell her you will leave her alone while she calms down.
c. Calmly talk her through the breathing pattern with each contraction.
d. Notify the health care provider that the patient is out of control and request an order for a sedative.
ANS: C
These behaviors are common in the transition phase of labor. The nurse should not leave her alone but should gently reassure her and guide her in her breathing. She may not want to be touched.
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