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 sudden gush of fluid followed by fetal heart rate 80/min. Which intervention best reduces the client's risk of complications?

Question

A. Restrict all movement without individualized assessment.
B. Delay teaching until the day of discharge only.
C. Ignore small changes until they become severe.
D. Identify risk early, implement prevention measures, teach warning signs, and plan timely reassessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Identify risk early, implement prevention measures, teach warning signs, and plan timely reassessment.

Rationale: Risk reduction focuses on early identification, prevention, teaching, and reassessment rather than unnecessary restriction or delay.

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

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Pain management in labor