TABLE 16-1 Show EXPECTED MATERNAL PROGRESS DURING FIRST STAGE OF LABOR
*In the nullipara effacement is often complete before dilation begins; in the multipara it occurs simultaneously with dilation. †Duration of each phase is influenced by such factors as parity; maternal emotions; position; level of activity; and fetal size, presentation, and position. For example, the labor of a nullipara tends to last longer, on average, than the labor of a multipara. Women who ambulate and assume upright positions or change positions frequently during labor tend to experience a shorter first stage. Descent is often prolonged in breech presentations and occiput posterior positions. ‡Women who have epidural analgesia for pain relief may not demonstrate some of these behaviors. Labor is defined as a series of rhythmic, involuntary, progressive uterine contraction that causes effacement and dilation of the uterine cervix. It is a physiologic process during which the fetus, membranes, umbilical cord, and placenta are expelled from the uterus (Milton & Isaacs, 2019). The process of labor and birth is divided into three stages. The first stage of dilatation begins with the initiation of true labor contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated. The first stage may take about 12 hours to complete and is divided into three phases: latent, active, and transition. The latent or early phase begins with regular uterine contractions until cervical dilatation. Contractions during this phase are mild and short, lasting 20 to 40 seconds. Cervical effacement occurs, and the cervix dilates minimally. The active phase occurs when cervical dilatation is at 6 to 7 cm and contractions last from 40 to 60 seconds with 3 to 5 minutes intervals. Bloody show or increased vaginal secretions and perhaps spontaneous rupture of membranes may occur at this time. The last phase, the transition phase, occurs when contractions peak at 2 to 3-minute intervals and dilatation of 8 to 10 cm. If it has not previously occurred, the show will occur as the last mucus plug from the cervix is released. By the end of this phase, full dilatation (10 cm) and complete cervical effacement have occurred. The second stage of labor starts when cervical dilatation reaches 10 cm and ends when the baby is delivered. The fetus begins the descent, and as the fetal head touches the internal perineum to begin internal rotation, the client’s perineum begins to bulge and appear tense. As the fetal head pushes against the vaginal introitus, crowning begins, and the fetal scalp appears at the opening to the vagina. Lastly, the third stage, or the placental stage, begins right after the baby’s birth and ends with the delivery of the placenta. Two separate phases are involved: placental separation and placental expulsion. Active bleeding on the maternal surface of the placenta begins with separation, which helps to separate the placenta further by pushing it away from its attachment site. Once separation has occurred, the placenta delivers either by natural bearing down the client’s effort or gentle pressure on the contracted uterine fundus. There are instances where labor does not start on its own, so when the risks of waiting for labor to start are higher than the risks of having a procedure to get labor going, inducing labor may be necessary to keep the client and the newborn healthy. This may be the case when certain situations such as premature rupture of the membranes, post-term pregnancy, hypertension, preeclampsia, heart disease, gestational diabetes, or bleeding during pregnancy are present. The nursing care plan for a client in labor includes providing information regarding labor and birth, providing comfort and pain relief measures, monitoring the client’s vital signs and fetal heart rate, facilitating postpartum care, and preventing complications after birth. Here are 45 nursing care plans (NCP) and nursing diagnoses for the different stages of labor, including care plans for labor induction, labor augmentation, and dysfunctional labor: Precipitous LaborPrecipitous labor is a form of labor in which all three stages of labor are completed within less than three hours (Awe et al., 2021). Such rapid labor is likely to occur with grand multiparity, or it may occur after induction of labor by oxytocin. Contractions can be so forceful they lead to premature separation of the placenta or lacerations of the perineum, placing the client at risk for bleeding. It also poses a risk to the fetus because subdural hemorrhage may result from the rapid release of pressure on the head. Precipitous labor can be predicted from a labor graph if, during the active phase of dilatation, the rate is greater than 5 cm/hr (1 cm every 12 minutes) in a nullipara or 10 cm/hr (1 cm every 6 minutes) in a multipara. Nursing care plans for precipitous labor The nursing care for clients with precipitous labor revolves around promoting maternal and fetal well-being, preventing complications, and providing a safe delivery. Here are four nursing care plans and nursing diagnosis for precipitous labor:
Risk for Deficient Fluid VolumeTrauma-related bleeding can be due to lacerations. If the client’s tissues do not yield easily to powerful contractions, she may have a uterine rupture, cervical lacerations, or hematomas. Cervical and vaginal tears may develop as a result of the natural processes of delivery or the forceful contractions during precipitous labor. They may not be noted until excessive postpartum vaginal bleeding prompts lower genital tract examination, including examination for vaginal and vulvar hematomas (Voros & Pappa, 2020). Nursing Diagnosis
Risk factors
Possibly evidenced by
Desired Outcomes
Nursing Assessment and Rationales1. Note the client’s level of consciousness and mentation. 2.
Measure and record the intake and output balance. 3.
Monitor vital signs. 4.
Assess for the presence of lacerations or hematomas. Inspect characteristics of blood. 5. Monitor skin temperature and palpate peripheral pulses. 6. Observe the client for early symptoms of shock. Nursing Interventions and Rationales1. Encourage the client to resume oral intake gradually. 2. Weigh the client’s
perineal pads to measure blood loss. 3. Apply an ice pack to the perineal area for hematomas. 4. Be calm and advise the client to remain calm, too, and assure her of the baby’s condition. 5. Administer blood and blood products as indicated. 6. Administer IV fluids as prescribed. 7. Administer medications and anesthetics as indicated. 8.
Insert an indwelling Foley catheter, as indicated. 9. Assist in the surgical repair of lacerations. 10. Prepare the client for the incision of a hematoma. AnxietyWomen who experience precipitous labor may have panic responses about the possibility of not getting to the hospital in time or not having their healthcare provider present. Although they are relieved after birth, they may require continued support and reassurance concerning the deviation from their expected experience. Nursing Diagnosis
Possibly evidenced by
Desired Outcomes
Nursing Assessment and Rationales1. Assess the client’s level of anxiety. 2. Monitor physiological responses and vital
signs. Nursing Interventions and Rationales1. Maintain a calm, deliberate manner. Offer clear and concise instructions. Provide explanations. 2. Acknowledge that this is a fearful situation and that others have expressed similar fears. 3. Provide a quiet environment and privacy within the parameters of the situation—position the client for optimal comfort. 4. Encourage partner or SO to remain with the client, and provide support and assistance as needed. 5. Remain with the client. Provide ongoing information regarding labor progression and anticipated delivery. 6. Respect and promote the support person. 7. Encourage appropriate coping or relaxation techniques. 8. Support the client’s pain
management needs. 9. Arrange for services of medical or nursing staff as soon
as possible. Inform the client that help has been requested. 10. Conduct delivery in a calm manner; provide an ongoing explanation. 11. Place newborn on maternal abdomen once newborn respirations are established. Allow the partner to hold the infant. 12. Administer sedation as appropriate. Risk for InfectionPrecipitous labor may cause accidental out-of-hospital deliveries, which constitute <1% of all live births in most developed countries. These emergency births differ from planned home births and in-hospital births because they usually happen accidentally at home or en route to the hospital. The unpredictable characteristics of out-of-hospital deliveries mean that neonates are born in inappropriate locations without medical professionals on standby. Being born in contaminated places and suboptimal cord practices may increase the risk of infection (Chang et al., 2022). Additionally, the force of a sudden birth may leave the client with perineal and cervical lacerations that are also breeding grounds for infection if not managed properly. Nursing Diagnosis
Risk factors
Possibly evidenced by
Desired Outcomes
Nursing Assessment and Rationales1. Observe for localized signs of infection at the wound. 2. Monitor the client’s vital signs. 3. Assess the infant for signs and symptoms of infection. Nursing Interventions and Rationales1. Stress proper hand hygiene by all caregivers between therapies and clients. 2. Recommend routine or preoperative scrubs or showers when indicated 3. Maintain sterile technique for all invasive procedures. 4. Assist the client in maintaining good perineal hygiene. 5. Insert an indwelling (Foley) catheter as indicated. 6. Review laboratory studies for systemic infections. 7. Obtain specimens for cultures and Gram stain. 8. Administer antibiotics and note the client’s response. 9. Emphasize the necessity of taking antibiotics as directed. 10. Discuss the importance of not taking antibiotics or using leftover drugs unless specifically instructed by the
healthcare provider. Risk for InjuryPrecipitous labor is defined as the expulsion of the fetus within three hours of the start of contractions. Few studies have found that precipitous labor is harmful to both the mother and the newborn. Precipitous labor, which is most commonly associated with placental abruption and induction of labor, is a significant risk factor for maternal complications. Maternal morbidities reported included extensive birth canal laceration, uterine rupture, placental retention, the need for revision of the uterine cavity, postpartum hemorrhage, and blood transfusions (Ghasemi et al., 2021). Uterine rupture, which is a ripping of the uterine wall, commonly occurs in the lower segment of the uterus and would not only have short-term complications but ends in long-term complications, maternal mortality, and perinatal mortality (Getahun et al., 2018). Nursing Diagnosis
Risk factors
Possibly evidenced by
Desired Outcomes
Nursing Assessment and Rationales1.
Assess the client’s progress in labor. 2.
Monitor the client’s vital signs. 3. Monitor for hematuria
and oliguria. 4. Assess for signs and symptoms of uterine rupture. 5. Monitor the fetal heart rate closely. Nursing Interventions and Rationales1. Avoid applying pressure when during the delivery. 2. Alleviate the client’s and her partner’s anxiety. 3. Administer intravenous fluids as indicated. 4. Administer blood and blood products as prescribed. 5. Prepare the client for a possible laparotomy or cesarean birth. 6. Provide emotional support for the client and her partner. 7. Refer the client to clergy or counselors. Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources. Disclosure: Included below are affiliate links from Amazon at no additional cost from you. We may earn a small commission from your purchase. For more information, check out our privacy policy. Journal readings, books, articles, and other resources you can use to further your reading about labor. Which client requires immediate intervention by the labor and delivery nurse?The mom or fetus requires immediate life-saving intervention. This includes maternal conditions such as cardiac problems, severe respiratory distress, seizures, hemorrhages, acute change in mental status, unresponsiveness, and signs of placental abruption or uterine rupture.
Which is the priority nursing action for a client in the second stage of labor?What nursing action is the priority for a client in the second stage of labor? Check the fetus's position. Administer medication for pain. Promote effective pushing by the client.
What are the two phases of second stage of labour?There are two phases of the second stage of labor, the passive stage and the active stage.
Which may alter the absorption of medications taken orally during pregnancy?Stomach pH, food, gut transit time, gut metabolism, uptake, and efflux transport processes may impact oral drug bioavailability. Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy may decrease the amount of drug available for absorption following oral administration.
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