Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
A 19-year-old primigravid client at 38 weeks' gestation is admitted to the hospital in active labor that began 8 hours ago. When the client's cervix is 7 cm dilated and the presenting part is at +1 station, the client tells the nurse, 'I need to push!' Which of the following would the nurse do next?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
At 7 cm dilation, the client is not fully dilated, and pushing can cause cervical trauma. A pant-blow breathing pattern helps manage the urge to push until full dilation. The McDonald procedure is for cervical cerclage, and increasing oxygen/fluids or encouraging pushing is inappropriate.