NCLEX: A 29-year-old client in labor and delivery is being evaluated for labor with epidural analgesia. Assessment data…

Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential

Case Study

A 29-year-old client in labor and delivery is being evaluated for labor with epidural analgesia. Assessment data include the client reports rectal pressure and an urge to push during active labor. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?

Question

A. Begin a long lecture while the client is in acute distress.
B. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.
C. Assume understanding without checking literacy or readiness.
D. Delegate all teaching without RN evaluation of learning needs.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.

Rationale: Teaching is effective only after safety and learning readiness are confirmed; the RN cannot delegate assessment of learning needs on unstable clients.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Pain management in labor