A woman in active first stage of labor is using a shallow pattern of breathing that is about twice the normal adult breathing rate. She begins to complain of feeling lightheaded and dizzy and states her fingers are tingling. The nurse should:
a. Tell the woman to slow the pace of her breathing.
b. Administer oxygen via mask or nasal cannula.
c. Notify the health care provider.
d. Help her breathe into a paper bag or her cupped hands.
ANS: D
Hyperventilation (decreased carbon dioxide [CO2]) can occur as a result of rapid breathing. CO2 depletion can cause dizziness, numbness or tingling of hands and mouth, blurring of vision, and muscle spasms of the hands. The woman should be encouraged to rebreathe CO2 from a paper bag or cupped hands because continued hyperventilation can deprive the fetus of oxygen. Generally, this will help the woman slow her breathing pattern. Oxygen administration will not solve the problem.
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