The nurse providing care to patients in the labor and delivery suite desires to support the 2020 National Health Goals to reduce maternal and infant mortality after labor and birth. Which action should the nurse perform to support these goals?

Question

A) Support laboring patients through the use of controlled breathing techniques.
B) Encourage laboring patients to use analgesia to control painful contractions.
C) Recommend the use of epidural and spinal anesthesia to aid in the labor process.
D) Apply specific infection control practices during the labor and birthing processes.

Answer 1

A
Feedback:
Nurses can help the nation achieve the 2020 National Health Goals for reducing maternal and infant mortality after labor and birth by teaching patients as much as possible about labor, so they are able to use as little analgesia and anesthesia as possible. The less anesthesia and analgesia used, the fewer the complications, which can result in fetal or maternal death. One approach would be to support laboring patients through the use of controlled breathing techniques. Infection control practices are not identified as strategies to reduce maternal and infant mortality after labor and birth.