A nurse is caring for a client who is in the latent phase of labor and is in pain
You may know that latent talent is defined as hidden talent. Well, the latent phase of labor has a bit of that same hidden element — it’s the very start of labor, when things get moving but can still be pretty unclear. Show
During the latent (or “early”) phase of labor, you’ll start to feel contractions as muscles in the walls of the uterus get to work. These contractions put pressure on your cervix and help it to slowly open, or in your OB’s language, dilate. The contractions also help the cervix to soften, shorten, and thin out. OBs call this effacement. You may still have a ways to go, but dilation and effacement make for a good start. Wondering how you’ll know that the latent phase has started? You’re not alone by a long shot. This is probably the number one question for expectant moms when it comes to labor in general. Some lucky women may find that the barely noticeable twinges that they’ve been feeling over the last couple of weeks have actually worked some magic and helped to dilate and efface the cervix. Other women may only realize that the cervix has changed once they feel mild to moderate contractions that last 30 to 45 seconds or less. These contractions could be regularly spaced at about 20-minute intervals. They could also be irregularly spaced. They could get progressively closer. Or they could stop altogether. Scenarios abound — enough to make your head spin! (Or give you the urge to reach for chocolate.) So what’s actually happening? Think of your cervix as a 3 to 4 centimeter (cm)-long muscle that connects your vagina with your uterus. Your cervix is normally firmly closed, but it opens a tiny bit every month to let through your menstrual flow. When you’re pregnant, a tightly shut cervix prevents infection from entering your uterus and keeps your baby safely in place. That is, until your contractions begin. While you’re busy wondering if this is what contractions feel like, your cervix is changing shape and an opening starts to appear. When your midwife tells you that you’re 3 to 4 cm dilated, they’re telling you that your opening is about the size of an Oreo cookie. Here’s what you might (or might not) notice in the latent phase:
Another common question: “Now the latent phase has started, how long will it last?” It depends. Some women will feel these “ouch” contractions for days, others for only hours. Here’s the good news: Usually laboring for your first birth takes the longest (12 to 18 hours). Things speed up with subsequent births (8 to 10 hours). But heads up: There’s no gold standard when it comes to labor, and every birth is a story to itself. Expect the unexpected, and you’re on your way! You’ve made it through those easy waves of contractions and now it’s getting harder. In fact, it really hurts! You’re probably feeling excited and apprehensive at the same time. That’s normal when you’re about to bring new life into the world and you don’t know exactly how it’s going to happen. Keeping calm at this point (yes, it can be done) and taking the right steps to manage the pain will help your labor to progress successfully. Here are some things that can help with the pain and anxiety. What to do:
What to use:
You’ve been waiting 9 months for these moments. But you’re still unsure whether it’s time to call your doctor. Here’s a list that can help you decide it’s time:
If you notice any of the three things below, you should also call your doctor ASAP:
Next comes the active stage of labor. You know you’re there when your contractions become more regular, stronger, and last for up to a minute. You’ll notice that the contractions rise to a peak and then fall. Use the time between the contractions to rest and prepare for the next wave. During this stage, your cervix opens further to about 7 centimeters, the size of a tomato. While the onset of labor is exciting, you may also be feeling anxious. But take a look around — every single person you can see was born by an amazing woman who likely dealt with the same nerves that you’re going through. You’re about to join the ranks of the amazing mothers. You’ve got this. Which action is a priority when caring for a client during the fourth stage of labor?Stage 4 of Labor
Goal: monitor mother's health status after birth due to risk for hemorrhage, infection (retaining placenta), and uterine atony etc. Monitoring vital signs (especially blood pressure and heart rate due to risk of hemorrhage and an increased temperature due to risk of infection).
Which parameter is closely monitored in a client during the latent phase of the first stage of labor?The pulse rate is monitored 2-hourly during the latent phase of labour, and every 30 minutes during the active phase of the first stage of labour.
What is nursing management during first stage of Labour?Here are nursing responsibilities in this phase: Inform patient on progress of her labor. Assist patient with pant-blow breathing. Monitor maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate every 30 minutes -1 hour, or depending on the doctor's order.
What is the safest position for a woman in labor when the nurse notes a prolapsed cord?If the fetus is viable, place the mother in the knee-chest position (patient facing the bed, chest level to bed, knees tucked under chest, pelvis and buttocks elevated) or head-down tilt in the left lateral position and apply upward pressure against the presenting part to lift the fetus away from the prolapsed cord.
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